Edify One Another

For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. (Romans 14:18-19)

Our actions and our attitudes matter not only to God, but also to the people God has placed in our lives. When we follow things that promote peace and build up one another, we reveal God’s heart to the world.

Following after the things which make for peace is more than just making sure we don’t have conflict with one another. It means we are chasing after unity. Finding common ground and seeking reconciliation are its top priorities during times of tension. It’s setting aside your personal preferences by preferring someone else over yourself.

Living life this way can change marriages, friendships, churches, and even work relationships. Imagine the impact that this mindset would make if spouses, siblings, and parents were committed to building each other up. It would create an environment marked by love, unity, and growth.

Our choices, responses and behavior should contribute to the growth of the Kingdom no matter where we are. As we decide to edify in our homes, workplaces, churches, and neighborhoods, we can be peacemakers and builders. Lifting others up helps them fulfill their Kingdom call.

Practical Application

Challenge yourself to pursue peace, reconcile with others, and uplift those around you. You should have a word on your lips to encourage someone, to prefer someone and to give peace to someone. When you do, not only to you honor the person, but you also honor God.

Hebrews 12:14; Romans 12:18

The Keys of the Kingdom

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. (Romans 14:17)

Religion is full of rituals, requirements, and recitations. Jesus came to shift our focus from external displays of religion to the internal transformation of our hearts. The three keys to unlocking the Kingdom of Heaven everywhere we go are righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Righteousness is about understanding our relationship with God. Because of the blood of Jesus, we now are in right standing with our Heavenly Father. He no longer sees your past sins. He sees you through the lens of His Son Jesus. We are not righteous because of anything we have done, but because of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us.

Peace is not simply seeking after the absence of conflict, but a state of inner composure during times of outer chaos. Jesus slept in the middle of a storm because of the peace inside of Him. When those around Him woke Him up out of doubt, He shared the peace inside of Him with them. Jesus also calls those who follow Him to be peacemakers. That means we are the people who speak, establish, and walk in peace when chaos shows up.

Joy in the Holy Ghost is the third key Paul mentioned. When we interact with the Holy Spirit, there is always joy associated with Him. Joy is not dependent on our circumstances; it is rooted in our relationship with the Holy Spirit and how we allow Him to move in and through us. No matter what challenge or difficulty you find yourself in, praying in the Holy Ghost and listening to His voice can bring joy, even when it makes little sense.

The Kingdom is centered on a relationship with God that brings righteousness, peace, and joy to the world around us.

Practical Application

Today ask yourself, “Am I pursuing my relationship with God in righteousness?” “Am I being a peacemaker?” And “Am I acting in joy right now?” If not, change your attitude and your focus to bring Kingdom into your situations today.

Matthew 6:33; Isaiah 55:12

Pursue Good

But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.Let not then your good be evil spoken of: (Romans 14:15-16)

Churches were dividing during Paul's ministry because of disagreements about food and personal beliefs. In response, Paul wrote to the Roman church about not allowing our actions or our personal beliefs to hurt another believer. His desire was for all the believers to walk in love with one another.

This wasn’t just about eating in front of other people. Paul was dealing with the issue of navigating around our differences within our churches. The world screams about personal rights and freedoms, but Scripture tells us that our good should not lead someone to speak evil against us. In other words, our freedom in Christ should never be used as a stumbling block for someone else.

When we live with this mindset, we can know we are really serving Jesus, as we prefer other people above our personal convictions and preferences. It is not a bad thing to have your own revelation and conviction from your time in the Word and your time with the Holy Ghost. But your personal revelation should never bring condemnation, division, envy, or separation in the body of Christ.

Practical Application

When you are accomplishing the tasks at hand today, ask the Lord, “How can I serve you through serving others today?” Have the mindset of a servant of God, and not of selfishness or of a self-absorbed person. Serve others with joy.

1 Thessalonians 5:22; 1 Corinthians 10:29