Building One Another Up

I Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. For the past few months I have been given to fasting in very intentional ways. One of which was to gain insight in spiritual warfare regarding critical words, attitudes, and actions. I hear ladies frequently share how criticism has ruined relationships, put wedges in marriages and the presence of physical attacks resulting in costly doctor and physical rehab services.

Negative criticism is a vicious weapon of the father of lies. Fasting and spending time in the Word of God to gain insight and to learn God's strategies is an excellent way to rid ones own heart of negativity. When coupled together, fasting and the Scriptures are a wellspring whereby through the Holy Spirit one can gain understanding of the use of criticism, when and how to accept constructive criticism and when to walk away from negative criticism without allowing it into one's personhood. Not that I have all knowledge in this arena, but I have been subject to it's abusive, persuasive influence and know that one must hold up the shield of faith and walk with the belt of truth in knowing the value of the sword of the spirit, walking in peace along paths of righteousness, protecting emotions when confronted with this often unseen but felt enemy. Negative criticism is a double edged sword, it wounds it's intended victim and wounds one's own heart deeply, ensnaring it's victims. Anyone caught in it's quick sand can find it is hard to change behavior, sheer determination isn't enough. It takes the work of the Holy Spirit, a willing heart, a humble heart, a forgiving heart to be set upon solid ground again to be released from the burdensome snare.

By listening to other's stories and my own experience, Proverbs 17:22 (NKJV) A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones. gives insight as to the power of a down cast spirit. It is true that both positive and negative criticism have their place in life and in particular arenas such as the work place, or in project management, in family dynamics weighing out pros and cons, but not in our speech towards others with derogatory intentions which are less than edifying.

It has been stated "A little criticism goes a long way" and "For every negative there should be 5 positives." If we spent our time building one another up, looking for the good, encouraging when negatives are seen, what a different world we would be living in. There may be a time and place to have opposing ideas or thoughts towards someone else's thoughts and ideas. When we walk in wisdom we will "judge" according to the Scriptures which brings us to think more highly of others than ourselves. Develop the attitude of looking for the good, turning the negative into a positive, looking from another's point of view. Keep yourself from getting caught up in the web of the nasty schemes of the father of lies. Proverbs 4:23 (HCSB) Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life. This verse rings out the importance of guarding one's own heart which i find is a full time job! It is essential in the Christian walk to guard our heart with diligence because from it flows the source of life. That source of life is what encourages or discourages personally and for those who will be influenced through our testimony.

In these two verses below, note the work of the father of lies as underlined. Note also,

Keep on encouraging each other

what brings pleasure to the Lord and edifies others as italicized.

Proverbs 12:22 (NKJV) Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight.

Ephesians 4:29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

Let our purpose be as stated in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV) Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. Let's build one another up. There is enough negativity to go around, we don't have to be a part of it. It once could be said, "Every washing machine has it's own aggitator" let's not be that representation and when we meet the aggitator in our lives, let's do what the Scriptures teach, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Luke 6:28 (HCSB)

Memorizing Scripture is a great way to renew one's own attitude and to keep oneself from ruining someone else's. I found Psalm 141:3 very helpful to call to memory when I might be quick to speak my personal opinion about others: Lord, help me control my tongue; help me be careful about what I say. I ask myself often, "Is it truthful? Is it necessay?" It may be truthful what I think and what I want to say, but is it necessary for the building up of others. Releasing people from the obligation of our intentional negativity creates opportunity for deeper more honest relationships. First, by walking in right relationship with our Heavenly Father; Secondly by being released from the snare of the enemy we are able to walk in truth, with no hidden agendas; Thirdly, by not being a conduit for the enemy to use to ensnare others. Romans 12:18 gives great advice, Do your best to live in peace with everyone.

He's still working on me!

Yvonne