I remember as early as my childhood hearing preaching about the work of the church being divided into three major categories: evangelism, benevolence and edification. It is still valid. We are familiar with the meaning of evangelism, the taking of the Gospel to the lost; and we are familiar with what benevolence means, a heart and actions which care for those in need. But what do you know about edification? What exactly does it mean?

The Greek word for edify is oikodomeo. It is most often translated in the KJV “build” or “built.” For example when Jesus taught us about the wise and foolish men, He said, “Whoso heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man which built his house on the rock…” The word “built” in this verse is elsewhere translated “edify.” In Luke 12:18 Jesus taught the parable of the rich fool who used this word when he said, “I will pull down my barns and build bigger ones…” This is why we sometimes refer to a building as an “edifice.”

Buildings are not the only things which are built up. Christians are built up or edified. Paul wrote “Rooted and built up in Him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught…,” (Col. 2:7). In 2 Corinthians 13:10. he wrote, “Therefore I write these things...to edification, and not to destruction.”

In what atmosphere do Christians grow the best? In what atmosphere are we best edified? Christians grow best in an atmosphere of Peace. In Acts 9:31, after the wicked Christian-hater Saul had repented and been baptized, the Bible says, “Then had the churches rest throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified.” Peace in the body of Christ is not more important than truth being taught and believed, and when truth is being challenged it must be defended (Jude 3). Sweet peace among brethren is often sacrificed in the process. No one enjoys that fact. Yet, if we forfeit truth in order to have peace, we will have a peaceful existence which accomplishes little and profits nothing.

Having noted that, we should realize that peace is of great value. Christians need to be edified, and are edified or built up best in an atmosphere of peace in the church. Paul wrote in Romans 14:19, “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify one another.”

Christians grow best in an atmosphere of Sound Doctrine. A popular and grievous mistake is to believe that churches which aren’t concerned about any doctrine over which there is some controversy, will grow better.

It isn’t true. Edification is not just found in socialization and pot lucks. It is more substantial than that. It is to speak, and write, and encourage one another with reference to right living and faith in the Lord. Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 1:3-4, “As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith.”

Christians grow best in an atmosphere of selflessness. 1 Corinthians 14 is primarily known as a chapter about the miraculous ability to speak in tongues, and the will of the Lord regarding it during the time miracles were being practiced in the early church. But look at the chapter again. A strong argument can be made to support the idea that this is a chapter about edification! The word or its derivative is used six times. (Verses 3, 4, 5, 12, 17, & 26). Paul is making the point in this chapter that to preach or prophesy is much to be preferred over speaking in tongues because preaching/prophesying edified the whole church, and speaking in tongues does not. Perhaps the one with the ability to speak in tongues would enjoy showing his great ability, but Paul maintains, “...in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.” (Verse 19). Edification occurs in an atmosphere of unselfishness.

With reference to the eating of meat which had been sacrificed to idols, the apostle wrote, “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient, all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.” (1 Cor. 10:23) While we might be prone to shout, “My rights! My rights!”, Paul teaches that what is good for edifying our brothers and sisters in Christ is more important. This should be a governing consideration with all Christians as they make daily decisions. Is this productive or counterproductive to edification in the Lord’s church?

May we all work in Christ’s kingdom as those who deeply value the ability we have to edify one another in the most holy faith.

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The Sandusky Sower
Submitted by Gary & Judy York

My Father’s way may twist and turn,
My heart may throb and ache,
But in my soul I’m glad I know,
He maketh no mistake.

My cherished plans may go astray,
My hopes may fade away
But still I’ll trust my Lord to lead,
For He doth know the way.

Tho’ night be dark and it may seem
That day will never break;
I’ll pin my faith, my all in Him,
He maketh no mistake.

There’s so much now I cannot see,
My eyesight’s far too dim,
But come what may, I’ll simply trust,
And leave it all to Him.

For by and by the mist will lift,
And plain it all He’ll make,
Through all the way, tho’ dark to me,
He made not one mistake.

“He restoreth my soul:
he leadeth me in the paths
of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:3

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