Edification part 5
If we look at WHY we are doing things, we will most likely begin to do different things. I think a lot of the time we just fall into patterns, or routines. But we know that a rut is just a grave with the ends kicked out, so that's no good. Doing something becuase that's how it has always been done doesn't necessarily make it right. There are some good things that can come from tradition, don't get me wrong. But at the same time we need to examine what we're doing. Don't do things just to do them. Don't talk just to make noise. It is better to be quiet and have someone assume you are a fool than to open your mouth and prove them right. So when you do something, do it purposefully. Do it heartily--to the best of your ability, and because it is in your heart to do it. Do things to edify. To build. And, yes, I know it is "easier" to destroy something than it is to build something. I know knocking something over is easier than picking it up. And, listen, some things should be knocked over. That's the point I'm trying to make. But not just for the sake of destruction. If you're getting rid of something that doesn't work, or is no good... then I commend you. But make sure you're replacing it with something that does work. Something that is good. Make sure that you're not destroying for the sake of destruction. Making room for something new is good. And then buildling that new thing is good. It can be uncomfortable to get out of your comfort zone (obviously), but it's worth it. Sometimes you have to go out on a limb, because that's where the fruit is. So make sure you're doing things for a reason... and for the right reason. Make sure you're doing things to edify. To build up. And that means putting others first. Esteeming others higher than yourself. If what you're doing is causing someone else to stumble... don't do it. Because it's not worth it. I've long said the two most important things in this life are God and people. Loving God and loving people. Loving God BY loving people. So if what you're doing isn't helping someone, but is in fact hurting them... you're not loving them. And I know this flies in the face of the current, "I have to live my life and I can't worry about what other people think" mentality. But there's a difference between haters (who are going to hate no matter what you do), and people who are genuinely connected to you. You can tell the difference. You can tell when your actions really mean something to somebody else. I recently had a conversation with someone who said, "Why do you listen to everything I say?" And my response was, "Why do you say things you don't want me to listen to?" Because I care. So I listen. And then I go with what I hear. People aren't used to that. They're used to people just doing whatever they want no matter what they say or do. And that's kind of a sad commentary on this society. We need to listen to each other. So we can understand each other, and in that way better love each other. You can't build someone up if you don't know what they need. And you can't know what someone needs unless you see them and hear them. It's all about that relationship. It's all about that connection. It's all about love!