Former Blackout Artist

Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. – Hebrews 3:13

Every single brother in Christ that I meet with and spend time with is actively engaged in a daily battle with sin. They don’t have to tell me this – I already know. And they know that I’m fighting this same battle right alongside them.

Now, we enjoy getting together over coffee or lunch and just catching up. We may talk about family, work, sports, or whatever else is going on in life. But at some point, we’re intentional about checking in with each other spiritually. It would make no sense to spend an hour with someone you genuinely care about and never ask, “How can I pray for you?” More often than not, that’s the moment when the walls come down. That’s when a brother feels safe enough to admit it if he’s struggling.

And let’s be honest. Most men aren’t naturally wired to open up about what’s going on in their hearts. I understand that because I used to be the same way before Jesus became my Savior and Lord of my life. But not anymore. I’ve become convinced that Christian men desperately need intentional, trusting relationships with other Christian men.

I’ll speak for myself here. Every now and then I go through a dry spell, when the last thing I feel like doing is opening my Bible or spending time in prayer. In those moments, I need somebody to know that. Not someone who’s gonna shame me or lecture me, but someone who will remind me of God’s grace, encourage me with His Word, and pour a little spiritual water on a thirsty soul.

I can’t get that from my neighbors. I can’t get that from my coworkers, or even members of my own family sometimes. I need someone who’s fighting the same spiritual battle I am – someone who will encourage me and remind me that the gospel is still true, that God’s grace is still sufficient, and that this fight isn’t meant to be fought alone.

That’s exactly why Hebrews 3:13 tells us, “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Sin thrives in isolation! It whispers that we’re the only ones who struggle, that no one would understand, and that hiding is safer than being known. But the gospel says the opposite! Healing begins the moment we step into the light.

God never intended for us to white-knuckle our way through the Christian life by ourselves. He designed His people to strengthen one another, to speak truth when someone is drifting, to pray when someone is weary, and to point each other back to Jesus again and again.

So here’s the question: Who in your life has permission to ask you the hard questions? And just as importantly, Whose life are you intentionally encouraging today?

You may never realize it this side of heaven, but one honest conversation, one heartfelt prayer, or one timely word of encouragement could be the very thing God uses to keep a brother from believing the lies of Satan and giving up!

That’s what the body of Christ is for. And that’s why we need each other every single day.