In the legendary “Cheers” sitcom of the 1980s, there is an episode where Norm (played by George Wendt) walks into the bar and is greeted by the always cheerful Woody Harrelson. From behind the bar Woody asks, “How’s it going, Mr. Peterson?” Norm, trudging along to his usual barstool, answers cynically, “It’s a dog eat dog world, Woody, and I’m wearing Milk Bone underwear.”
It’s a tough world out there — for everybody — not just Norm. Why do we find it so easy, in this “dog eat dog world,” just to pile on? Why can’t we find a way to lighten our neighbor’s load? Can we make it easier on our fellow travelers instead of hindering them?
The writer of the book of Hebrews said it like this: “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.” This is a call for constructive creativity: Find a way to help people; encourage those you meet on the path; leave a few words or kind actions to hearten those around you.
How different the world would be — how different most churches, workplaces, statehouses, Little League parks, and families would be — if the first thing that came out of our mouths was not a put-down but a lift-up; if we would raise spirits instead of step on hearts. How different the world would be if we pushed people to love and to do good, instead of inviting the constant flood of fury and vitriol that dominates our culture!
This alternate way of living will not happen without intentionality. We will have to “motivate one another” as the Good Book says. Other translations of the text are more direct, using words like “provoke” and “spur.” The original word is paroxysm, a word transliterated directly into English (though I have never heard it used in an actual conversation).
Someone suffering from a “paroxysm” is a person having a spasm, a convulsion, or what my southern grandmother would have called “a spell.” It is a profound stirring; a sharp, sudden movement that causes the body to shake not unlike a seizure. This is intentional, holy provocation: Causing someone — vigorously — to move in the direction of “love and good works.”
And it will take vigor, because it’s easy for people to sit still and do nothing. It’s easier still to be negative, oppositional, contrary, and competitive. But at the conclusion of it all, the beautiful lyrics from the “Cheers,” theme song prove true: “Making your way in the world today takes everything you’ve got. Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot.”
We can be that “break,” that place where people find help, uplift, encouragement, and the motivation to love and do good. In the words of Henri Frederic Amiel’s benediction, “Life is short, and we do not have much time to gladden the hearts of those who make the journey with us. So be swift to love and make haste to be kind.” Amen.
Ronnie McBrayer is a syndicated columnist, blogger, pastor, and author of multiple books. Visit his website at www.ronniemcbrayer.org.