Daily devotional, February 28, 2024 The cheerleader

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 
1 Thessalonians 5:11

One of the highlights of any opening program of a sporting event is the cheerdancing. Be it a professional league like basketball or football associations, or school-based sports competitions, cheerleading squad routines will always be a considered a traditional part of the opening event.

Cheerleaders though are important even beyond the opening program as they provide encouragement for each of their teams. In basketball games, they cheer on every goal and possession, and in defense they inject energy through their chants so that their players can get on to their defensive strategies.

As followers of Jesus and mothers of the children the Lord has entrusted to us, we are also being called to be cheerleaders of our kids. We should be the primary source of encouragement of the children as they go through their everyday lives.

They say that as the children grow older, we transform to being an instructor to coach. As they mature and develop their individual character, they no longer need specific instructions on how to live their lives, but they need us as their parents to provide guidance and tell them the possible options they can take towards their pursuits.

But one role we moms should never grow out of is being their lifetime number one cheerleader. We should boost their morale when they are three, when they are 30, and if God-willing, even when they are 53. Children need a constant source of positive encouragement, and as parents we should take on this role regardless of their age.

The same principle applies to what St. Paul the Apostle said to the early church family, as he urged them to be there for each other and movitabe one another to do good works:

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25

One of the best examples of positive encouragement in the Bible is Moses, towards his successor Joshua. When he was about to pass on his baton of leadership to Joshua, Moses repeatedly motivated him, telling him that he can do it with God leading him.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

A supportive father figure in the bible is Zebedee, the father of disciples John and James. When Jesus called on his sons to follow him, Zebedee did not derail them from being with Jesus, even if he will be left alone doing their fishing business.

"And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him." 
Mark 1:19-20

When we encourage our children to be the best they can be, we do not only help them achieve their best potential, we also prepare them for God’s best plans for their lives. We should take the cue from St. Paul the Apostle who, in his letter to the Corinthian Church, urged early Christians to focus on their work at hand, and align their will to that of the Lord’s.

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 
1 Corinthians 15:58

At the end of the day, we should remember in our hearts, and make our kids know it too, that the best encouragement comes from the Lord. Our strength, skills, and whatever talents we may have are all His gifts to us. When we love each other enough to encourage them to use these gifts to honor God, we get to answer the Lord’s call for each of us to spur each other into doing good deeds.

"May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." 
Romans 15:5-6

Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Psalm 121 and 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 to dig deeper on today’s topic.

Reflection Question: Are you your child’s number one cheerleader?

Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me the opportunity to be present in each of my children’s lives. Allow me please to become their number one cheerleader and  constant source of encouragement, so that they could succeed in things that really matter and are aligned to your will and purpose for their lives. Amen.