“Let us consider how we may spur one another on to love and good works.” Hebrews 10:24
My back door opens and closes repeatedly throughout the day.. It does not take a genius to identify the intruder. Brady’s enters silently, bare feet making no noise on the concrete floor. Brooke also, typically bare foot still makes her presence known by the constant chatter streaming from her lips. The jingle marks Troy, My Cowboy’s entrance, his spurs rattling on his boots. Unlike dime store cowboys, his spurs are not a worthless accessory meant to impress. Spurs fill a very specific role in My Cowboy’s day.
When used correctly a spur assists in guiding and training a horse. The size of the spur and sharpness varies as needed. My Cowboy, a professional trainer chooses the spur according to the response of the horse. A “dead sided” horse requires “rock grinding” spurs, very large and pointed. However, a more docile horse may require little to no spur.
If the rider incorrectly uses spurs, he may find himself in the dust with several aching pains. Horses are flight animals and will run and buck to disengage abusive treatment. Thus, cowboys engage spurs carefully and in just the right place with just the right amount of pressure.
We as Christians can learn much from the spur wearing Cowboy. Spurring each other on to love and good works also requires knowing the other person and the correct amount of pressure and choosing the proper time and place. Ignoring these simple guides can result in unnecessary pain and a mouthful of dust.
Words spoken in love fall gently on the ears allowing correction to be both beneficial and effective. Anger, judgement and self righteous attitudes have no place in in the spurring process.
For a horse to reach full potential and be an asset to the cowboy, spurs, correctly used are a must. Maturity in the Christian walk, which ultimately brings glory to our Lord, also requires the use of spurring words.
May we be a love filled spur and may we graciously respond to the spur as needed.
