Reactive Reality

By Pastor Dan Hickling

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24–25 (NKJV)

In Psalm 139:14, David reminds us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, which means we’ve been put together by God in a way that is specific, deliberate, and important. The way we’re wired is by design and plays a critical part in His ultimate purposes.

For example, we as human beings have been created with the capacity to respond. For the most part, we don’t move though life without being influenced and affected by the conditions around us. We react and respond to what’s taking place around us environmentally. 

All you need to do to see this reality is watch a football game. The home team isn’t physically helped by their thousands of fans. They can’t touch the ball, much less move it forward for them. But their cheering can move motivate the players to move on the field! Home field advantage is a real thing, which is why teams battle to attain it as a reward come playoff time!

This dynamic is especially true when it comes to our relationships with other people. When you read that, you might be tempted to consider that a flaw. “I wish I wasn’t influenced by my co-workers, my classmates, or those who are attacking me.” 

But keep in mind, God purposefully gave us the capacity to react to others. He didn’t have to, but He did. So, it’s not an essential flaw. It can be, depending on the people we surround ourselves with. But the writer of Hebrews leverages this reactionary reality by reminding us of how powerfully beneficial it is when we surround ourselves with those who share our faith and love for Jesus!

We come alive in a whole new way when we’re around those who share in the same spiritual life that we’ve received in Christ. Strength is drawn from one believer to the next as we come together around the things of God. This, to a large degree, is why we’ve been created with this capacity to react and respond to our surroundings. To quote the often-used phrase, “We’re better together,” because we have the capacity to thrive off of one another.

With this reactive reality in mind, let’s put it to constant use by doing as the author of Hebrews admonishes: Let’s surround ourselves with those who share in the spiritual life the Lord has given to us!

PAUSE: Why is Psalm 139:14 important to remember? Why did God give us the capacity to react to our environment and other people?

PRACTICE: Consider how you are reacting to the charge given here in Hebrews and what you can do this week to implement this spiritual practice.

PRAY: Father, help me react to others as Jesus would. Help me to surround myself with those who share in this faith and will draw me deeper into Christlikeness. Amen.