Construction gives us many analogies in regard to the Christian walk, as we know that Jesus Christ is the Chief Cornerstone, while the apostles and prophets are the foundation of the Church (Ephesians 2:20). We also know that the body of Christ is the temple of the Holy Spirit, His dwelling place (1 Corinthians 6:19). Certainly, we often apply that terminology to individual Christians, as God resides in each of us, yet a farther-reaching aspect is that God dwells collectively within His body of believers. We are the modern-day tabernacle, as “the Word became flesh and was tabernacled among us,” according to John in the Greek translation. Yet the construction analogies continue. Without a proper foundation, it is not worth erecting any building. When building a structure in the proper order – cornerstone, foundation, inner walls, outer walls and roof – soon we have a useful edifice!
Notice that we need many walls to support a roof. In the same manner, we are called to be the support in the lives of fellow believers. The Greek word for edification is oikodomen, which refers to “the things of building up.” It can apply to part of the body or the entire body of Christ. Interestingly, this is not an Old Testament word, but is used exclusively in the New Testament, as the mystery revealed by Paul is the Church. In fact, Paul is the only one to use either “edify” or “edification,” beginning in the following verse in Romans:
Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.
Romans 14:19
Just as one beam does not support a roof, one person cannot stand alone. We need others to support us, and while God has the power to supply all of our needs, He uses other believers to walk beside us. Another aspect of construction is demolition. Sadly, the human condition makes it easier to destroy a shaky building and cast aside its broken pieces, rather than put in time, energy and love to shore up the unsteady walls of that historic structure. In our Christian walks, that edification can be accomplished in many different ways.
First, prayer is a priority. When God places us in the lives of others, at the very least, we should be lifting them up to the Lord in our prayers. Secondly, walking beside them as friends or mentors can make incredible impact. Walking is slow, forward progress, and as opposed to running, does not leave us out of breath, but able to discuss and encourage. Barnabas touched the lives of many with his gift of encouragement. In the same manner, we should lift up our fellow believers with our words. This does not mean we should fill them with false pride through our compliments. Instead, we need to help with problems or weaknesses. Jesus sent His disciples out in pairs. Just as a husband and wife often fill in the gaps with different strengths and weaknesses, fellow believers can fill in the gaps for one another. Discipleship is a key. Teach one another individually, as that closeness makes a deeper impact.
Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.
1 Corinthians 14:12
Lastly, ensure that pride is out of the picture. When we accomplish God’s tasks for self gain or notoriety, it is wasted effort. Yet when we place “self” on the altar of God, allowing Him to open doors, close doors and lead us on the paths of righteousness for His sake, then we do not feel the need to grade our own effort. Whether we see success or failure, God sees His will being accomplished when we truly follow Him. Thankfulness to those walking the long and winding road beside us is a sweet acknowledgment, for none of us could accomplish one small task without the help of God’s followers. Yet beside each member of the body of Christ is another. Sometimes invisible or unthanked, God uses us to raise the lives of others, while using others to raise our lives just as sweetly!
The primary accomplishment is that God will be high and lifted up, exalted above all. He is the name above every name and worthy of our praises!
Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the authority which the Lord has given me for edification and not for destruction.
2 Corinthians 13:10
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