BUILD UP AND DON’T TEAR DOWN!
BUILD UP AND DON’T TEAR DOWN!
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. —Ephesians 4:11-13
For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and he ponders all his paths. —Proverbs 5:21
There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers. —Proverbs 6:16-19
On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. –I Corinthians 14:3-4
Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up. –I Corinthians 14:5
So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church. –I Corinthians 14:12
Our gifts are given to us so that God’s Holy Spirit for the working through us to build up of the church, the body of Christ. Our Lord Jesus knows all the motivations of our heart (Hebrews 4:12-13) and all our ways are before Him. Nothing about us escapes His notice.
Our Lord’s desire is for His body to be built up, not torn down. Things that tear down His body are hated by Him —yes, HATED by Him! Here are some examples:
- Haughty eyes— He hates pride.
- A lying tongue— He hates dishonesty
- Hands that shed innocent blood— He hates murderers (and those who hate)
- A heart that devises wicked plans— He hates wickedness
- Feet that make haste to run to evil— He hates evil
- False witness who breathes out lies— He hates a false witness
- One who sows discord among brothers— He hates division
Instead of tearing down the church we are to be “eager for manifestations of the Spirit” and “strive to excel in building up the church.” Does this define you and me? Are we eager for God’s Holy Spirit to work through us in the giftedness He has given us to build up the body of Christ? How is that happening in your life and mine? How will the Spirit’s giftedness be worked out in our life today? This week? Oh that we would be sensitive to His guidance and obedience in His directing. Dear Father may this be so in the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son. So bit it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnHMNJkMNWE