I have always been fascinated with elevators.

I do not remember my first ride in an elevator, but I know that I used to wonder how they worked (harrowing elevator scenes in action movies solved that for me). I noticed that some elevators lurch to a start and others jolt you when they stop. Some are so smooth it seems that you are gliding on air. There are even times when you cannot tell you are moving.

I think an elevator offers us an image for real life relationships. Just like that small, enclosed space is designed to transport you higher, we are commanded to elevate one another with kindness, words of affirmation, and encouragement.

Therefore encourage one another and build up one another…
1 Thessalonians 5:11

The analogy continues when we consider what encouragement does for us.

I’ve noticed elevators can take you to places that alter your perspective. The highest ride which I have taken in an elevator was in a building that used to be called the John Hancock Building sitting on the shore of Lake Michigan in Chicago. There was a restaurant on the 95 th floor which made for great viewing.

On a clear day, you could see for roughly 80 miles, encompassing four states. At ground level, surrounded by concrete and tall buildings, a person feels closed in, even hopeless. It is dark and you cannot view the sky, sun, and clouds. But from up on top, the view is inspiring. Seeing all the colors and the broad expanse of sky causes your spirit to soar. The problems below seem so small. Your perspective has changed noticeably from ground level—all because an elevator lifted you high above your circumstances.

I challenge you to be someone’s elevator today. Following the command of the verse above (1 Thess. 5:11), cheer them up, give them courage, and come alongside them with your presence. Elevate their spirit by altering their perspective.

Your love can be expressed in a number of life-affirming ways. Your presence fleshes out Jesus’ promise to never leave them nor forsake them. Pointing them to Jesus gives them eternal hope by sustaining them with His all-sufficient grace. They may feel locked in and hopeless. When a person cannot see the Son because circumstances have overrun them, it is easy to feel discouraged, even despairing.

Our world is lonely and broken. I encourage you to be someone’s elevator today! Alter their perspective with life-giving truth. Remind them of Jesus’ all-sufficient grace. Let their problems shrink in size as they focus on the majesty of our Lord.

Love and blessings,
Dave