Have you ever been in a place of worship/church and notice some members or church goers or even leaders seem so high minded that they can’t even connect with worship, praise, prayer, or the word? It can be even the most touching of moments where it is obvious that the fire of the Holy Spirit just moved through the place, but such individuals just choose to oversee and observe proudly in approval and sanction of what is going on or would be the first to boldly disapprove, oppose or reject in an open and scornful manner, not considering that their approach can be considered disrespectful and impolite. In some cases their actions can even deter others from not only fellowshipping in the place but even discourage and put a blockage or change in others hearts towards their personal view of the church as a whole.
Wow. It is truly amazing the effect that just one can have on a multitude. Many can attest to seeing this behavior in many churches across the world. Depending on the position, title or status of such impactful and influential persons, the effects can be devastating in such that it can affect the growth and stability of the church in multiple areas and functions. It truly is an elephant in the room that can make God’s people appear blind and bound because it reduces the impact of the authentic and unhindered manifestation of the blessings of the Holy Spirit.
We cannot lose focus on the purpose of the Church and the Grace that has brought us into our New Testament and new dispensation (appointment, inheritance, governing and covering authority). Edification is vital to the healthy blood pressure of the church, ensuring that the precious blood of Jesus that is pumped by the heart beat of the Holy Spirit is effective to ALL members. Not just to thrive and survive but to overcome and prosper in the plans that God has for each of us to the building up of the church as one body.
If we give each other the benefit of the doubt, we will see that many of those same individuals have underlying good intentions for the church and the Lord’s people. An even closer look can further reveal a series of personal sacrifices made for the acquisition, establishment and building of many places of worship all throughout the earth, as well as sacrifices of family, time, resources and labor.
But regardless if how good or great our intentions and sacrifices are, we must be mindful that our approach, words and actions can easily become misconstrued and misinterpreted to mean something that we didn’t intend and thereby can appear to render our current contributions as ineffective, cast aside, and disregarded because it is unrecognizable to those who hear it as something of edification that gives Grace. The bible says “… Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed [is better] than the fat of rams.” 1 Samuel 15:22 AMP. “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29 ESV.
Interpretation of those that hear what we say and do is of great importance to God, despite our intentions. “But speaking the truth in love [in all things—both our speech and our lives expressing His truth], let us grow up in all things into Him [following His example] who is the Head—Christ. From Him the whole body [the church, in all its various parts], joined and knitted firmly together by what every joint supplies, when each part is working properly, causes the body to grow and mature, building itself up in [unselfish] love.” Ephesians 4:15-16 AMP
Edification Speaks loudly and interprets the move of the Holy Spirit, revealing God’s love and Grace that nurtures, sustains, and builds, keeping us humble, receptive and partakers of the fruits of the spirit.
“Remind the people of these facts, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God to avoid petty controversy over words, which does no good, and [upsets and undermines and] ruins [the faith of] those who listen. Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:14-15 AMP
Be blessed,
G.M.
G.M. Sunshine 