Be a Builder Upper

When was the last time someone made your day? When was the last time someone complimented you? When was the last time you overheard someone talking about you and it was very positive, the opposite of gossip?

Words have power. Other people's opinion of us can truly hurt or help.

As we continue to let Jesus do His full work of redemption in us, let's join Him by Building Up the people in our lives.

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Eph 4:29

Our culture, our education and many of the relationships in our lives train us to look for what is wrong; to critique. Of course God gave us an incredible mind to think, to analyze, to examine, to understand, to learn. It is so natural for all of us humans to critique others; our co-workers, classmates, neighbors, employers, employees, entertainers, politicians and even our family members. 

The question becomes, do we let our education, culture and daily experiences guide how we treat others? Or do we let our new life in Christ guide us on how we treat others?

Jesus loves everyone, even when they are not adopted into His family. Amazingly, Jesus still loves those of us who have been adopted into His family; yet we still sin. Think of the depth of love Jesus has and shows you everyday even as He knows all of your weaknesses, shortcomings, selfishness and sin.

Let the first few verses of Eph 4 sink in. "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

How do we continue to let Jesus' redemption work in us to transform us to actually truly love all the people in our lives? How can we let Jesus change our easy critique of others to be transformed into seeking to love them anyways. How can we become more like Jesus and use our minds to see all the beautiful characteristics, talents and gifts of each person in our lives? How can we be more like Jesus and love those whom we do not like?

How can we use our words to intentionally and meaningfully Build Up others every day?

Seeking to let Jesus transform us to be Builder Uppers,
Pastor Chris

L&R - Listen to God and Risk to do what He wants
B&B - Be With Christians and Build Up Christians
S&S - Serve Not Yet Christians and Share Jesus with Not Yet Christians