The Abundant Life: Riches money can’t buy…
The abundant life works well with others. This is done by looking for ways to edify or build others up, not by cutting them down in order to look or feel superior.
Edify is an interesting word. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 encourages us to edify one another. In this passage, the Greek word for edify is “oikodomeo” and technically it means to build up. This does not mean false flattery. Edify means to enlighten or improve. The advantage of building others up is that we become a stepping stone to a good result, not a stumbling block.
1 Corinthians 8:1 tells us that knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. When dealing with others, it is better to take a loving approach which is reflected in what we do or say. Situations are enhanced or improved because others are willing to listen. People rarely listen to those who think they know it all or think they are better than others.
Romans 14:19 (NLT) says we should aim for harmony and try to build each other up. Having a spirit of harmony is another way of saying we should strive to work well with others. This is not accomplished by being overly critical, but by letting others know they are valued and appreciated. Listening to what others have to say has a validating effect.
Edifiers foster a feeling of cooperation. Although they may be the team leader, they have the ability to be a team player as well. They won’t ask others to do what they aren’t willing to do themselves. They treat others with the same kind of dignity and respect they wish to receive. They realize that putting others down never eases a situation. Better to say something that will help, rather than hurt. Admonition does not have to leave someone devastated.
When we were youngsters, we would receive evaluations from our teachers. Some comments might say, “Little Johnny plays well with others” or perhaps “Little Johnny does not play well with others.” If little Johnny did not learn to play well with others then, he might not know how to work well with others now—because the same basic principles apply.
Those living the abundant life have learned how to play and work well with others. They know how to bring out the best in another person, so everyone can benefit.
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“…I have come that they may have life and that they
may have it more abundantly.” ~John 10:10 (KJV)
