A Year of Choices…
By Barbara Dahlgren from Barbara’s Banter at www.barbdahlgren.com
To edify means to enlighten or improve. 1 Corinthians 8:1 tells us that knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. This is a fancy way of saying “know it all” people rarely enlighten others or improve situations because no one is interested in what they say. However, when the motive is love for others, it is reflected in what we do and say. In other words, it is edifying.
The Greek word for edify is “oikodomeo” and technically means to build up. When we cheerfully build others up we become part of the solution, not part of the problem. We become a stepping stone to a good result, not a stumbling block. That’s why we are encouraged to edify one another. (1 Thessalonians 5:11) Here are some ways this can be accomplished.
Cooperate: When we cooperate we don’t foster a feeling of competition. No one wants to be around those who think they are better than everyone else. Learning to work together is a key to getting anything accomplished. We shouldn’t expect others to do what we are not willing to do ourselves.
Accept: People want to be accepted for who they are. Acceptance does not mean we condone bad behavior. It just means we don’t judge and condemn. We all have areas in our lives that need changing, but being critical does not bring about healthy change.
Pursue Peace: The Bible tells us to “pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” (Romans 14:19) This can be done by not making a big deal out of something that is not a big deal. If we stay calm, pray, and look at something from another’s point of view our perspective may change.
Be Considerate: We can start by using words like “please” and “thank you.” Give a sincere compliment. Be on time. Show up for a commitment.
Use Nice Words: Cursing, gossiping, and putting others down are not edifying. The Message Bible gives this instruction: “Say only what helps, each word a gift.” (Ephesians 4:29) Even if it is necessary to correct someone it can be done constructively so it doesn’t leave a person devastated, but rather encouraged to move forward.
These are just a few ideas but we could all make an extensive list of ways to edify others.
Consider this… When we tear others down instead of building them up it actually grieves the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 4:29-30) In other words, God doesn’t like it. Not only do we hurt others, but we rob ourselves of blessings.
To edify others takes some godly wisdom which comes with a bit of humility. That’s why we are told not to do things from selfishness or conceit, but with humility so we can regard others more important than ourselves. (Philippians 2:3-4) A “know it all” is only interested in building himself up. One who edifies wants to build up others. So let’s choose to edify. Not only does it promote spiritual growth, it shows the love of God.
Suggestions for practicing this choice…
- Look for ways to praise others. Rather than focusing on the nine things a person does to irritate you, praise that person for the one thing he/she does that you like. Everyone has at least one thing you can praise if you look hard enough.
- When a critical thought comes to mind about a person, pray for him/her. It will reap more benefits than criticizing.
- Try to use a kind tone of voice and nice words when speaking to others. Proverbs 12:18 says, “There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health.”
- Pray for godly wisdom. Ask God to show you ways you can show His love to others.
- Don’t set up your standards as God’s standards. Repeat this often, “I am not God.” God looks beyond the surface.
