I see lots of spurs at the Austin rodeo that kicks off every spring. One of the most popular competitions is bull riding.

In bull riding, spurs are dulled and mostly help the bull rider hold on to the one-ton bull with their legs and feet. And what happens then? A wild ride. Getting bucked around and off. Broken ribs. Mental toughness. The cheers of the crowd. Telling your grandkids someday that you rode a bull named Fumanchu. Growth. Strength.

Now listen to what the Bible says about Christian community: “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23). 

“Hold unswervingly” are Greek words in the original Bible that literally mean “hold on tight!” The Bible calls us to be spurs that help each other hold on tight and not let go. Let go of what? “The hope we profess.” 

We don’t let go of each other. We hang in there with each other. Why? Because we have this agreement that we profess. This body of teaching we believe. That’s the Bible that reveals Jesus Christ. The Bible and Jesus define our fellowship as a church.

Hold on to Jesus and his church! Be like spurs and help others hold on to Jesus and his church too. It might result in a wild ride. It might cause pain but will also result in spiritual growth. 

And remember, Jesus—who believes in his church—is holding on to you. “He who promised is faithful.”