The Royal Order of Edifiers: Part One
Are you ever discouraged and it just feels like no one cares? Then along comes someone to encourage you. Good, isn’t it? Has it ever occurred to you it is you who can build up someone.
Jesus Christ said, “In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
In a world that tears people down Jesus builds them up.
If Jesus is your Savior let Him control you as your Master. If He is your Master, model Him. Scripture says, “It is enough that a servant should be as his master.”
Acts 10: 38 gives a succinct summary of the life of Christ: “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good…”
There is your prototype, your template for life. Pattern your life after Him. “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked” (I John 2:6).
Jesus seized opportunities to build people up. Jesus was an edifier. In the word edification the root word for edifice can be heard. An edifice is a building. The process of edifying is the mission of building up. As believers that is one of our most important roles.
He edified little children by telling His disciples to let the little children come to Him.
He edified the woman caught in adultery by saying, “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.”
He edified Peter, who denied Him. After the resurrection when they encountered each other Christ asked one question three times, “Do you love Me?” Peter’s affirmation resulted in Christ edifying him by giving him an assignment, “Go feed my sheep.”
On the road to Damascus Saul was stricken blind and the voice of Christ was heard to give him instructions to go into Damascus where someone would tell him what to do. Christ sent Ananias to him who put his hand on him and said, “Brother Saul….” In that simple statement Paul was edified.
Even on the eve of His execution He comprehended the mood of His disciples and said to them, “Let not your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in Me” (John 14:1).
It is said most people we meet are in need of encouragement. That means your opportunities are abundant. Remember the last time you encouraged a down and out person. Doing so made you feel good, didn’t it? Even if you consider yourself in need of encouragement you were doubtless encouraged by being the person encouraging another. So go out there and have yourself a good day by encouraging others. Remember Jesus said, “As much as you have done it to the least of these you have done it unto me.”