“Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” Romans 14:19 KJV
Many people underestimate the word edify. The definition, according to Merriam-Webster, is “to instruct and improve especially in moral and religious knowledge: uplift; also: enlighten, inform.”[1] Many feel that the word “edify” only relates to uplifting communication between people, and that’s partially true, but it means much more. It means to educate, teach and inform in a morally righteous and uplifting way.
This is very sobering to me, because I occasional fail to edify and instead I’m critical of others. I continue to work on that, but still often fail. Just think of what the world would be like if everyone used edifying speech. It would be amazing. People would communicate with instructive, mutually respectful and morally upright speech. People would communicate with integrity and honesty in an uplifting manner. It would be wonderful.
Please don’t misunderstand me though. Edifying speech is not the politically correct speech of our modern era. Political correctness has no moral compass. It simply tries to appease others through speech that does not invoke displeasure, anger or reprisal. It has nothing to do with informing people in a morally and uplifting way. So, please don’t confuse edifying speech with politically correct speech, because they are mutually exclusive (incompatible).
As a Christian, I must use the morality of our Lord Jesus, as it is clearly illustrated in the Bible, when I edify. It is not edification without a moral compass and the only true, complete and accurate moral compass is the Bible. This is not just my opinion, but the opinion of God as clearly written in the Bible. Advocates of political correctness would say I’m being exclusive and unyielding, not taking into consideration all the other religions. My answer to that is; I’m not being exclusive or unyielding, but edifying. There is only one correct religion and I’ve done extensive research into most religions, and the only one that makes sense of the world around us and our very natures is Christianity. The only book or religious writing that is the complete revelation of God is the Bible, and so all moral and religious practices of a Christian should rely only on the Bible for its moral compass and edification in righteousness. So, I’m not being exclusive and unyielding, I’m being edifying.
Christians, love and edify those around you. Edify both Christians and non-Christians. Sharing the Gospel in an uplifting, enlightening manner in gentleness and respect is edification. I need to continue to work on this, and I pray that those who read this will try to work on this too. In these days of persecution, and hatred of Christians, we really need to show the world what a true Christian is and does. It all starts with knowing the Bible through reading and studying and then putting it into practice. Christians, let’s put this in practice and edify everyone we communicate with, whether verbally or in any form of communication.
I love you all, and have a blessed day!
[1] Definition of EDIFY. (n.d.). Retrieved January 13, 2018 from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/edify