Our Goal: Encouragement

When people ask me, "How do you like the magazine business?," I don't quite know what to say. The way I see it, we're in the encouragement business. Hebrews 3:13 says to "encourage one another daily." Weary parents, insecure children, overworked elders, teens, singles, married couples, bosses, coworkers, neighbors, missionaries—whoever they are and wherever they live, people need encouragement.

As I come to work each day as editor of The Lookout, my mind isn't on the "magazine business," but on how we can encourage our readers. Here are five specific ways we hope to do this.

1. Encourage loyalty to God and his Word by bringing our readers fresh insights that examine today's issues from a Christ-centered point of view.
2. Encourage love for the church. I could point out what's wrong with the church today, but I'd rather provide help for the countless people in the faith who serve Christ daily and authentically. My boyhood faith was nurtured in a rural congregation that's been around more than a century, but I've found my faith refined and broadened as I've worked with newer churches in urban areas. I appreciate the encouragement I've received from God's people, and I respect the Restoration Movement heritage that calls us back to the Bible, reminds us about our discipleship purpose, and moves us toward greater Christian unity.
3. Encourage growth—in grace and knowledge, in character and integrity, in effective service and outreach. Today's Christians must speak hard truths and make unpopular stands—but we can do so in love. In an increasingly hostile society where journalism often takes an "in your face" approach, our magazine will speak the truth in love with gentleness and a touch of humor. We want to build people up, not tear them down.

Even when we deal with tough topics (and we will), our goal is to be constructive, not controversial; wholesome, not quarrelsome.

Scripture urges, "Pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels" (2 Timothy 2:22, 23).

4. Encourage practical application of faith. Christianity isn't just a "religion"; it's a way of life. At The Lookout, we want to help our readers find answers to questions like, How can I "walk my talk" and put my faith into action? How does the Bible apply in my life? How can I make a positive difference in my culture? How can I deal with everyday problems in a way that honors Christ?
5. Encourage families. We want to help married couples build strong bonds of love and communication, and help parents nurture children who are strong in their faith, secure in God's love, and eager to make a difference in the world.

When The Lookout's full time staff (all three of us!) meet each week for prayer, we pray for our readers, and we seek God's wisdom for every aspect of our work. We want to be encouragers.

I've edited this magazine for about one percent of its 103 year history, but I've served as a minister of the gospel for more than 20 years. That's where my heart is—in ministry to Christ and his people. Please pray with us that God will use us to change lives and build his kingdom. After all, that's the business we're in.