EDIFICATION

"Let all things be done for edification" (1 Cor 14:26, NKJV)

The word "edify," in its varied forms, occurs 19 times in Scripture–all in Acts and the Epistles. The word means building up, strengthening, encouraging, and making more able. It is a term borrowed from construction. In fact, a finished building is called an EDIFICE. Edification is the process by which the edifice is completed.

"Edification" presumes a project that is not yet complete, but is in the process of being completed. In Christ, the project is being conformed to His image (Rom 8:29). The process involves enabling the believer to take hold of eternal things, resist the devil, and grow up into Christ in all things. This process is accomplished by using "all things pertaining to life and godliness," which have been provided to the church by God (2 Pet 1:3).

The Spirit reminds us that no provision has been made in Christ for things that fail to contribute to edification–particularly things relating to their assembly. "All things" are to be "done for edification." The craze for religious entertainment does not fulfill this Divine mandate. Institutional fervor is not harmonious with it. Simply making people feel happy and good also falls short.

"EVERYTHING" in the assembly (the subject of the text) is to be for edification, or building up and encouraging the saints. As offensive as it may appear, community updates and fleshly announcements do not fit into this pattern. Whatever is done must contribute to the spiritual betterment of the people. It must result in them being brought closer to Christ and being made more suitable for glory. Appetites should be increased, and earthly views decidedly reduced. Sin should become more offensive, and righteousness more attractive. Jesus should loom larger, and self appear smaller. The Word of God should become more clear, and the deficiency of the wisdom of men more apparent. What has been given to us in Christ Jesus is to become more accessible, and what is prohibited by Him more easily renounced and abandoned.

Where these things do not occur, edification has not taken place. Where edification is excluded, the assembly has been in vain. In fact, a gathering of believers that lacks edification is offensive to the Lord and dangerous for the saints. It is an assembly where Satan can easily enter, and where Jesus is pushed outside.

"Let all things be done for edification!" That is no idle word! It requires faith in God and consideration of the brethren. Our Lord constrains us to draw upon Divine resources, and will compel us to resist the devil.

PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ grant me the ability and the strength to bring profit to Your people.

-- MONDAY, New Series: THE SPIRIT AND THE SOUL --