{"id":2955,"date":"2015-07-26T09:00:25","date_gmt":"2015-07-26T14:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.barbdahlgren.com\/?p=2955"},"modified":"2015-08-10T17:11:17","modified_gmt":"2015-08-10T22:11:17","slug":"choose-to-edify","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/barbdahlgren.com\/?p=2955","title":{"rendered":"Choose to Edify"},"content":{"rendered":"

A Year of Choices…<\/em><\/p>\n

By Barbara Dahlgren from Barbara\u2019s Banter at www.barbdahlgren.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n


\n\"Edify<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>To edify means to enlighten or improve. \u00a01 Corinthians 8:1 tells us that knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.\u00a0 This is a fancy way of saying \u201cknow it all\u201d people rarely enlighten others or improve situations because no one is interested in what they say. \u00a0However, when the motive is love for others, it is reflected in what we do and say.\u00a0 In other words, it is edifying.<\/p>\n

The Greek word for edify is \u201coikodomeo\u201d and technically means to build up.\u00a0 When we cheerfully build others up we become part of the solution, not part of the problem.\u00a0 We become a stepping stone to a good result, not a stumbling block.\u00a0 That\u2019s why we are encouraged to edify one another. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)\u00a0 \u00a0Here are some ways this can be accomplished.<\/p>\n

Cooperate:<\/strong>\u00a0 When we cooperate we don\u2019t foster a feeling of competition.\u00a0 No one wants to be around those who think they are better than everyone else. \u00a0Learning to work together is a key to getting anything accomplished.\u00a0 We shouldn\u2019t expect others to do what we are not willing to do ourselves.<\/p>\n

Accept:\u00a0<\/strong> People want to be accepted for who they are.\u00a0 Acceptance does not mean we condone bad behavior.\u00a0 It just means we don\u2019t judge and condemn.\u00a0 We all have areas in our lives that need changing, but being critical does not bring about healthy change.<\/p>\n

Pursue Peace:<\/strong>\u00a0 The Bible tells us to \u201cpursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.\u201d\u00a0 (Romans 14:19)\u00a0 This can be done by not making a big deal out of something that is not a big deal.\u00a0 If we stay calm, pray, and look at something from another\u2019s point of view our perspective may change.<\/p>\n

Be Considerate<\/strong>:\u00a0 We can start by using words like \u201cplease\u201d and \u201cthank you.\u201d\u00a0 Give a sincere compliment.\u00a0 Be on time.\u00a0 Show up for a commitment.<\/p>\n

Use Nice Words:<\/strong>\u00a0 Cursing, gossiping, and putting others down are not edifying.\u00a0 The Message Bible gives this instruction:\u00a0 \u201cSay only what helps, each word a gift.\u201d\u00a0 (Ephesians 4:29)\u00a0 Even if it is necessary to correct someone it can be done constructively so it doesn\u2019t leave a person devastated, but rather encouraged to move forward.<\/p>\n

These are just a few ideas but we could all make an extensive list of ways to edify others.<\/p>\n

Consider this\u2026 When we tear others down instead of building them up it actually grieves the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 4:29-30)\u00a0 In other words, God doesn\u2019t like it.\u00a0 Not only do we hurt others, but we rob ourselves of blessings.<\/p>\n

To edify others takes some godly wisdom which comes with a bit of humility.\u00a0 That\u2019s 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)\u00a0 \u00a0A \u201cknow it all\u201d is only interested in building himself up.\u00a0 One who edifies wants to build up others.\u00a0 So let\u2019s choose to edify.\u00a0 Not only does it promote spiritual growth, it shows the love of God.<\/p>\n

\"Ephesians<\/a><\/p>\n

Suggestions for practicing this choice\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n