Edify, this is a very important word to me. It goes through my head a lot. Sometimes it really annoys me.
(from firstcal.org)
The definition of edify includes "to build up, to construct, to strengthen a person" as well as "to inform or enlighten intellectually or spiritually." (from dictionary.reference.com) When I consider if something is edifying or not, I ask myself if any good can come from it.
I suppose you wonder why such a nice word can be annoying. Well, sometimes I just want to say stuff, whatever I'm thinking. It may be something that would classify as gossip or it may be something just a little bit mean. Why do I want to say things like that? I don't know, but sometimes I just do. I'm not proud of it but there it is. It may be something like, "Hey, have you gained weight?" or "Did you hear that so-and-so cheated on his wife?" It is even possible to SOUND sweet when you say it.
Usually the word "edify" comes to mind when I take time to think before I speak. I'm guessing the Holy Spirit is responsible for that. I'll have these little brakes screeching in my head and I find myself thinking, against my will, "Is this edifying?" Rats! I am usually, but not always, able to stop myself from blabbering out the non-edifying thoughts.
On the flip side, sometimes I find myself thinking edifying thoughts about someone but don't make the effort to share those thoughts with them. I'm trying to notice when I DO have an edifying thought so that I may pass it on. Even that can be difficult. Maybe they will think I am a weirdo. What if they think I am trying to butter them up or think I am being phoney?
I have to say, though, I've yet to get a bad reaction when I pass on an edifying thought to someone. It might be one-on-one or it might be saying something edifying in front of a group, but it needs to be said. This world can be dark and scarey, but we are called to be bright lights of hope, letting Jesus shine from the inside out. We are to encourage and build-up others.
This is a link to a post on a blog I enjoy.
http://loveinactionjourney.blogspot.com/2011/06/speaking-up-loud-clear.html
Janine elegantly writes on this subject. You could say it is an edifying post.
(from firstcal.org)The definition of edify includes "to build up, to construct, to strengthen a person" as well as "to inform or enlighten intellectually or spiritually." (from dictionary.reference.com) When I consider if something is edifying or not, I ask myself if any good can come from it.
I suppose you wonder why such a nice word can be annoying. Well, sometimes I just want to say stuff, whatever I'm thinking. It may be something that would classify as gossip or it may be something just a little bit mean. Why do I want to say things like that? I don't know, but sometimes I just do. I'm not proud of it but there it is. It may be something like, "Hey, have you gained weight?" or "Did you hear that so-and-so cheated on his wife?" It is even possible to SOUND sweet when you say it.
(from Kerripom.com)
Also, if you say "bless her heart" after such a comment, it's ok, right?
WRONG. WRONG. WRONG.
Usually the word "edify" comes to mind when I take time to think before I speak. I'm guessing the Holy Spirit is responsible for that. I'll have these little brakes screeching in my head and I find myself thinking, against my will, "Is this edifying?" Rats! I am usually, but not always, able to stop myself from blabbering out the non-edifying thoughts.
On the flip side, sometimes I find myself thinking edifying thoughts about someone but don't make the effort to share those thoughts with them. I'm trying to notice when I DO have an edifying thought so that I may pass it on. Even that can be difficult. Maybe they will think I am a weirdo. What if they think I am trying to butter them up or think I am being phoney?
I have to say, though, I've yet to get a bad reaction when I pass on an edifying thought to someone. It might be one-on-one or it might be saying something edifying in front of a group, but it needs to be said. This world can be dark and scarey, but we are called to be bright lights of hope, letting Jesus shine from the inside out. We are to encourage and build-up others.
(from Centralaz.com)
Maybe striving for an attitude of edification is where it all starts.This is a link to a post on a blog I enjoy.
http://loveinactionjourney.blogspot.com/2011/06/speaking-up-loud-clear.html
Janine elegantly writes on this subject. You could say it is an edifying post.
So, now you know about being edifying. Now you know why sometimes I look like I have a little struggle going on in my head as I am questioning myself, "Will this be edifying in any way?" What are your thoughts on the subject? Does edification come easily to you? Tell me about ways you've found you can be edifying.
4 comments:
Such a great post Susan. It makes all of us who read it, take a serious look at the way we think and talk to those in our lives. Very thought provoking! I am honored that you would add my link onto what you have so powerfully shared about today. Much love to you. Janine
Great post! I was actually reading about this today in a book I'm reading called "The Uncommon Woman" by Susie Larson. If you haven't read it, you should check it out. I'm really enjoying it so far and learning a lot! :)
Janine, I just really enjoy reading your blog. I don't have too many readers but I think they'd enjoy your blog as well.
Anna, thanks for the tip. I am always looking for a good book!
Janine, I am at home recovering from a double mastectomy and so I spend alot of time browsing through blogs. Usually I leave without a comment, but this speaks to my heart.
I have made a "no gossip" policy one of the major principals in my life. It has cost me some friendships, usually because I'm "not fun" anymore. That's, by the way, not the truth but I do put a kink in the information hose. I won't listen to gossip either, so I am often the last the know even the good news. Still, I feel like I am contributing to the positive, or ascention of life by making my stand.
I really enjoyed your blog and will follow you. I have begun blogging about my first year as a cancer survivor and hope that you will visit me there as well. I will check out your books as well, love a good read!
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