Building Up

1 Corinthians 14:26

“26 What should be done then, my friends?  When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.”

All of our spiritual gifts should be used for building up; for the building up of Christians in the faith, for the building up of people who are not in the faith, for the building up and strengthening of our communities, and for the building up of our Church.

We are to use our spiritual gifts that have been given to us by God only in positive ways, not in tearing people down, or for the sole purpose of gaining fame, power or wealth.  Our motives in using our gifts should be spiritual, not worldly, and grounded in love.

It is easy to lose our way in this world.  The temptations are great, the distractions are plenty.

But if we remember that the giver of our gifts is God, and that He gave us these gifts to use for His glory and for building up the Kingdom of God, then all worldly things pale in comparison and significance.

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”  (Ephesians 4:1)

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)