Tuesday, April 16, 2013
The Building Building the Building
Wow! Say that three times fast! Seriously, what could a saying like this possibly mean? Well, according to scripture, it is actually an assignment given to us all by God. Here is how it works…
In Ephesians 4:29 the Paul tells us that we need to control the communication that comes out of our mouth. What should come out of our mouth should be stuff that is positive, that strengthens and builds us and others up. The word edification here means to build. This is the same word used of prophecy in 1 Corinthians 14:3, explaining that words spoken in prophecy in the language of the hearer result in the hearer and the speaker being strengthened or built up in God (exhortation, edification, and comfort). Paul also says this is the job of he and the other apostles. In Romans 15:2 he further tells everyone to build up his/her neighbor. So this is the middle “Building” in the title. But what about the other two? Good of you to ask!
The Greek word oikodomē (reminds me of okie-dokie!) which is the word translated edification is also frequently translated building, as in the structure. Jesus used it this way frequently when referring to the buildings in Jerusalem. Paul also uses it this way. In 1 Corinthians 3:9 he says we are God’s building (how cool is that!) referring to the physical building and being built up all at the same time. Perhaps the most interesting use by Paul is in 2Corinthians 5:1. Here he says we are just a tent (a temporary dwelling place) but that when that passes away we will have a permanent building in the heavens with God. So what does it all mean?
Next time you are about to say something, stop and think, will this build us up? What am I making better with my words? And if you need building up yourself, you can do that too! Tell yourself out loud that God loves you and that you are about to have an amazingly blessed day!
Prayer
Father, thank You for letting us be on your team. Thank You for the honor of helping those around us with the words we say. Thank You for putting power in these words, that we might change the lives of others (and ourselves) for the better. You are such a great God!!! In Jesus name. Amen.