Needed Edification
Ever been criticized? Ever had to endure someone’s wrath but for all the wrong reasons? America holds a very impassionate ridicule in perceived judgment. Nobody wants to be wrong, but this has never reduced the amount of negative verbiage used against a person’s enemies. Isn’t that interesting? On the one hand, I can see this as a habitual regimen in the world. What is hard or even seemingly impossible to accept, is this tendency in the Church. We are to be the “ekklesia”; the righteous hand of God (1 Peter 2:9, NKJV). New Testament members of the Body are to be holy, royal, and special because of WHOSE they are! I can understand the lack of distinction for those outside. Those of unbelief have regularly demonstrated mindsets insolvent in unrepentance (John 3:19). It is rather deceptive how we profess love but fail to demonstrate it in and out of the local building. I have often noticed those who espouse this “love” phrase are equally the least willing to exhibit it in their lives. Christians should be reminded of their responsibility in needed edification. This term is defined as the “act of building up or improving oneself or others” (Bible Study Tools, 2024), Meaning we are commanded to encourage versus “tearing down” one another. Paul states, “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another” (Romans 14:19). As we build one another up in the common salvation and grace of our Lord Jesus, we are inclined to grow in a direction which is called Heaven. So, the opposite must be true also (Luke 13:27).
Here’s the deal, why is it so difficult to be positive and love others as God has loved us? Maybe it is because we have decided the “pulse” of American politics, media, and social acceptance has become of greater importance to us than in serving the Lord (James 4:4). Maybe it is time to revisit this industry if it is at all true. Remember there is no salvation outside of Christ (Ephesians 5:23). There is also the potential of losing one’s soul by not loving one’s Brother in strongly encouraging them in the work that stands before us. No time for criticism or negativity for anyone. Please give it some thought,
Archie R. Green
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