ARE YOU AN ENCOURAGER OR DISCOURAGER?

Moses said to the Gadites and Reubenites, “Should your fellow Israelites go to war while you sit here?
Why do you discourage the Israelites from crossing over into the land the Lord has given them?
Numbers 32:6-7

“Looking out for number one” is an old saying, but its sentiment is as popular as ever.
We have been taught that we can “have it our way” and that we “deserve a break today”.

Too often a Christian can be subtly sucked into
thinking about self with little regard for others.
The follower of Christ, however, must remember that every believer
is part of the Body and must consider how his individual actions affect others.

This is not a new problem.
The Reubenites, Gadites and half the tribe of Manasseh
liked the look of the land east of the Jordan.
It was suitable for livestock.
Consequently, their request to stay there seemed reasonable.

But Moses was aware of the effect it would have on Israel:
“Shall your countrymen go to war while you sit here?
Why do you discourage the nation?”  (32:6-7)

To their credit, when reminded of similar past situations
and when made aware of how their action would affect others,
these tribes did not choose to be discouragers.
Although their families and livestock remained,
the men went to war with the rest of Israel.

Too often people in the church think of themselves
and fail to realize how their choices might discourage others.
You may ask, “what actions of mine discourage others?”

First of all, we discourage others whenever we are inconsistent
in attending worship services.
Other believers look forward to seeing us there and when we
choose not to attend, it can be discouraging our Christian family.

Secondly, we discourage other believers by the things we say.
In our selfishness, we can say harsh and rude things to
others in the church which can crush their spirit.

Not only can we break their spirit by what we say,
we can also have a negative impact when we fail to listen.
Whenever we choose not to listen to another believer (or anyone),
we are communicating to them that whatever have to say is not important.
Too often, some have the impression that others are really interested
in everything they have to say – that is a sign of egotism.
The truth is, others may often patiently listen to us out of respect and friendship,
even though what we say might be boring to them.

Did Jesus listen to others?
Of course He did, even when He busy fulfilling God’s Will for His life.
Jesus also thought about what He said and how it impacted others.
If we are truly followers of Christ,
then we should strive to have His attributes in our lives.
This means we should choose our words wisely,
and be concerned, caring and patient listeners.

You can be an encourager or a discourager.
Putting your interests first can discourage others.
Choose to be an encourager!
Determine to encourage others by your actions as well as your words.