Did you pay any attention to the Kentucky Derby a couple of weeks ago?  It’s an amazing story – the first female trainer, a jockey “out-jockeying” his own brother on the winning horse, and a come-from-behind victory story (at one point, the winning horse was in last place).  

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Do you know how a jockey gets a horse to the finish line? It isn’t by whispering nice things in its ears or by promising apples at the end. Neither is it by flattering the horse and telling it that it is the prettiest or fastest horse. It’s certainly not by being gentle with the horse during training – making sure not to stress it too much or make it sweat. No! A jockey and trainer train the horse with hard workouts, proper nutrition, and medical care. During the race, the jockey uses a bridle to control and guide the horse and may use a riding crop to spur the horse on (At one point in history, jockeys wore spurs which would make this analogy even better when you read this verse in other versions where the word “motivate” is translated “spur”). The riding crop doesn’t feel good, but it will encourage the horse to run just a bit faster.

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The same is true with a musher running a team of dogs or a coxswain on a rowing team or a coach on any team. They are responsible for getting the team to perform. Good performance comes from hard, realistic training – something that few people can achieve without some additional outside encouragement.

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So it is in the church. You may show love and serve others on your own, but when operating as a body, the church can reach new levels of love and has an increased capacity for serving those around them.  We can spur each other on to achieve more than any of us could accomplish on our own. Think of Impact Alaska, which just happened yesterday! What a great example of the church motivating each other. I’m sure there were many instances yesterday where people were tired or couldn’t have completed the tasks on their own but were motivated to do the work together in Jesus’ name.

Today, think about a way to encourage someone else as they pursue living like Jesus. Maybe it’s as simple as telling someone that you’re praying for them. But maybe it’s telling them exactly what you’re praying. Maybe it’s sending someone a note, text, or e-mail – or picking up the phone to encourage them. Maybe it’s letting the ACF staff know how much you appreciate them or telling your ACF group leader how much they mean to you.

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Speaking of ACF Groups, one of the best ways at ACF to motivate each other, is in an ACF Group.  It’s where discipleship and fellowship flourish. If you’re not already in a group, why not? Summer is almost here – whether it feels like it or not. This may be a hard time to commit to a group, but what if you gathered some friends around a firepit? Or camp or fish together? Do Alaska things in community. Be ready for Group Launch in August – it's coming August 19^th and 23^rd, and there will be groups for everyone ready to launch in September.  

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So, motivate someone this week and make plans to find a group of people who motivate you. Have a great week!