For Edification

      I Corinthians 14:26 says all things are to be done for edification when we have come together. Paul’s direct context was about the miraculous spiritual gifts being used. Speaking in tongues was good, but if no one knew what it meant it didn’t build up. The tongue speaker should be quiet.

      As Paul explained in I Corinthians 14:15-17, we are worshipping God, praising Him, praying to Him, thanking Him. However, we are doing so with others. Our thanks, prayers, praise must also edify.

      How does this relate to us since we no longer speak in tongues, interpret or prophesy? The principle still governs our time together. We need to make sure what we do is not about us but about edifying each other.

      First and foremost, we need to participate. How can I edify others if I am not participating in the worship we offer? If I stand silent during the songs, rifle through my purse during the prayers, sleep during the sermons, how can I edify anyone? I need to participate and do so enthusiastically.

      Second, we need to be intelligible. For instance, if we are leading the prayer, use the microphone and speak clearly. How can anyone say the “Amen” if they can’t even hear us? If we are singing, sing out. Can we remotely say we are speaking to one another if no one can hear our voice?

      Third, avoid being a distraction. I remember one sister who would clip her nails during the sermon. That wouldn’t be so bad except the clang of the clippers reverberated through the auditorium. If you have small children, we know you want to teach them to sit in the auditorium during assemblies, however, please don’t allow your children to distract others from the edification by continually passing them back and forth, letting them walk around or letting them cry for long periods of time. Remember, we are supposed to be edifying each other, not distracting each other.

      Fourth, don’t tear down others. We are supposed to be building each other up. That means when we have discussions in our classes even when we disagree we need to make sure we speak with kindness and gentleness. Another aspect of this is thinking before we bring something up in classes, talks, invitations or sermons. Too many people cause division by bringing up speculative questions that only cause problems. There is a fine line between trying to get help with an issue from brethren and bringing up divisive issues. We must take care because our together time is for building up, not dividing.

      Whatever we do as we worship or study together, we must remember we are together and therefore it is not just between us and God. It must also edify those around us.

Edwin L. Crozier