A Horse's Opinion About Spurs

Several of my recent conversations with students have centered around encouragement. In Hebrews 10:24-25, there is two types of encouragement mentioned. We are told to encourage one another not to neglect meeting together. This is the type of encouragement when someone puts their arm around your shoulder and says, "Keep up the good work. I'm here for you. Please don't give up." We all love to give and receive that kind of encouragement. The second type of encouragement is a little different.

In verse 24, some versions say provoke, stimulate, motivate, or encourage one another to love and good deeds. Perhaps the best translation though is "to spur." The word in this passage is an equestrian term. It refers to how one makes a horse move by driving spurs into the horse's sides. I wonder what the horse's opinion about spurring is? While spurring is not very comfortable to a horse, it sure does motivate him to move. There are times in our Christian walk where we need an arm around the shoulder. However, there are also times when a swift kick in the sides is needed to move us to action. I know that God has "encouraged" me in both ways. Both types of encouragement are Biblical and necessary. I guess its time to meet with some folks to give and receive a little spurring. OUCH! My prayer is that it will result is greater love and good deeds, in my life as well as theirs.