This is part 2 of a 2-part series on encouragement. Click here to view part one, which appeared yesterday.
You have the Gospel of Discouragement from yesterday’s post. Here are a couple of samples from the Un-Bible:
Brothers, I consider myself to have taken hold of it. And one thing I do: Remembering what was behind and meandering toward what is ahead, I haphazardly stumble toward the goal ultimately to lose the prize anyway which God has unrealistically called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Un–Philippians 3)
Let us become weary in doing good, for at no time will we reap a harvest because we have given up. (Un–Galatians 6)
But as you know, faith without works is dead. So picture in your mind’s eye a colleague who has been too peaceful in their assignment. You know who I’m talking about. They always seem to have it all together. They’re annoyingly encouraging. They live in a cycle of victorious living. Here’s how to practice discouragement on them:
1. Keep their feet to the ground. We all have dreams, hopes, plans, and strategies. But don’t let it get carried away. Be reasonable. If God wanted to reach the entire world, he would have done it already. He’s capable, isn’t he? After all, what does omniscience mean anyway?
2. Become a master of the “Yeah. But.” This is a relatively easy exercise to incorporate into any conversation. Here are a couple examples:
- Someone comes up to you all excited that they just led a drug addict to the Lord. Say, “Yeah, but do you realize how powerful addictions can be? Don’t get too pumped. He’ll be back at it in a couple weeks.”
- You are approached by a youth pastor who just had an unbelievable all-nighter with his teen group. Teens were saved. Genuine community took place. Relationships were mended. Say, “Yeah, but are you sure you kept an eye on EACH of the teens? What if there were two who snuck away and had sex?”
3. Maintain a bright future. Next time someone is trying to accomplish anything today, remind them there will always be a bright tomorrow. Urge them to put off their accomplishment until then. Today is no time to get things done. How’s that song go, “…and bright hope for tomorrow. Blessings all mine…”
4. Compare, compare, compare. This is a hallmark practice of the discouraged. Instill in others the belief that, as good as they have it, there are always others who have it better. They don’t have to look very far to see So-And-So’s church down the street is growing by leaps and bounds while they struggle to find volunteers for the simplest jobs in their church. Examples are endless. Look at the corporate world with its luxury sedans and 4 bedroom houses. Help your colleague compare: they are stuck with their 1985 Ford Pickup with 210,000 miles and live in a rundown “parsonage” that isn’t even theirs.
Now THAT’S how to practice discouragement!
Can you think of any more ways to practice discouragement?
