Building Up
There has been something that has been laid on my heart over the past few weeks. I'm taking New Testament (amazing class), and also reading through Ephesians on my own. It seems that the more and more I study the NT, especially Paul's writings, I come across this idea of encouraging or building up of other believers. Here's some examples:
- 1 Thes. 5:11- Encourage to avoid worldly things
- Romans 1:12- Encouraged through each others faith
- Colossians 2:1-5- Paul is at a struggle to... Encourage the hearts of others, through their hearts being bound in love, so that they can reach the full understanding of Christ (sorry if that's confusing... it makes sense in my mind.)
- Romans 15:1-6- Support weaker believers, encourage them, and live in harmony.
- Philippians 2:1-11- Read this passage if you don't read any of the others.
These are just a few examples of Paul talking about encouragement of believers. This is a major topic and it needs to be discussed. How can we encourage? This is open for discussion but I have come up with 4 ways to do so...
- Encourage to abstain from sin
- Encourage through personal stories of the Holy Spirit's work in your life... with humility
- Through love, serve others unconditionally.
- Aid in the spiritual growth of others (mentoring, discipling, etc.)
Through these 4 things, and others you might have, we as believers can reach our goal. That goal is to live in the unity of our mind and spirit, so that we can function together as component parts of the Body of Christ, as well as achieve a full understanding of Christ, which ultimately glorifies God.
I came up with this equation to apply it to our lives... placing others above ourselves plus encouragement equals glorifying Christ in 1 accord.
I hope that this post does 2 things... First, I hope it sparks action. My prayer is that each one of us will look for opportunities daily so that we may encourage other believers. This should be a spiritual discipline just as important as our quiet time in my opinion. Secondly, I would like to hear your opinions and thoughts on this topic. May we be mutually encouraged through discussion over this issue.
posted by b. sok @ 4:11 PM
5 Comments:
SOK!!
Rarely do I comment on posts anymore because I tend to find myself in seemingly pointless conversation... But I think you should know that through reading your post I was encouraged.
It is always interesting to read Paul's letters, understand the context and consider not only what, but why God spoke through him... The scripture you have provided needs no external solidification to become truth. We need to encourage one another daily and provide edification. Thank you for the reminder. It is awesome to see you living and breathing based on convictions.
Good post Brandon. I know I am not the only reader encouraged by your evident growth in the faith. Excel in Christ! Hope to see you soon.
PS--> I so wish I had a NT class here @ UK!
maybe you should be a double major... (a MATH major.) (?)
ha, solid thoughts though...
Encouragement is something that should instantly set us apart from the world. And you are doing that my friend > through this post!
you hype for KAA comin this summer?
when do you leave, get back?
holla
I'm not gonna be able to go this summer cause I gotta take some classes to catch up on some credits.., I really wish I could have though. Hopefully next summer it will work out
Hey I was just going through everyone in our technology in the classroom web projects and I came across your blog...it was really encouraging to read. I appreciate the thought and time you put into writing your blogs, most people just wouldn't do that. It's so funny that I came across it today because thats exactly what I needed to hear. So thanks, Brandon.
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