Another Reason to Text: Encourage People

Interesting article about some research that showed how sending encouraging text messages to people who were trying to quit smoking actually helped. Smokers were twice as likely to succeed if they received encouragement via text.(You can read the original article here.)

Here's more proof that encouragement is powerful. Maybe that's why we like to hang around people who cheer us on and don't tear us down. It's why loneliness can be debilitating and even dangerous. It's why Christians should get together often on weekends and at other times ..."not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Heb 10.25 ESV).

unHooked contd.

Several members of our office staff started the South Beach Diet a couple of weeks ago. It's been fun to listen to the banter: "Was that a Mountain Dew bottle I saw in your trash can?" "Did you have a bun on that hamburger?"  Some of that is in jest, but then there is the genuine encouragement: "Wow! You lost how much? That's great!" This definitely helps. Just watch one episode of "The Best Loser." Encouragement and accountability is a big deal. Not just possibility thinking or attaboys. This goes deeper. "I believe you can do this. I know how you feel. I'm struggling through this with you." Or better still, "I've been there. I did it. You can too."

I don't study a lot in the Amplified Version but this particular verse in Hebrews 10:24 is paraphrased in a particularly insightful way: "And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up to love and helpful deeds and noble activities..."

What's a noble activity for you?

• Losing weight, getting healthy
• Quitting smoking 
• Replacing 5 hours of cable TV per day
• Memorizing Scripture
• Volunteering at a local mission

All of these are within reach by leaning on the power of the risen Christ in you and by "watching over one another studying how we may stir up to...helpful deeds and noble activities."  Are you hooked? Don't attempt change without the encouraging help of other travelers. Everybody needs encouragment. You especially need it when you're getting unhooked.