All things unto edifying

1 Corinthians 14:26

How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

There are many words that are spoken in the church house. Many come from the lips of the minister, as he pours froth the words of truth and soberness. Many words are given through a message that has been derived from God’s Word. Among those that teach, that sing, or that have conversation among fellow believers, there are a multitude of words spoken. There are words being spoken to one another in casual conversation, and in typical speech. But there must be one question that encompasses this whole subject. Every word we speak must be subjected to the harshest scrutiny on the basis of this one question. All things must be tried by this great test. And this test is clear, without question clearly enunciated in God’s Word. The great question that remains is: “Are these words unto edifying?” Are the words that I speak and the things that I do done to edify others, or are they done to please myself. Remember! Even Christ pleased not Himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached Thee fell on me. These things are spoken of Christ. He did not go about to cause Himself or His voice to be heard in the streets. He did not go about to disparage, disrespect, or disdain others through His derogatory words of them. No such thing! Never! He did all things unto edifying.

And now I must ask you, and you must ask me, is everything spoken used for edification? You may say, “I don’t know if it is edifying.” Well then do not speak it! For I would rather speak five words that others may be edified than ten thousand in an unknown tongue! An unknown tongue is not discerned and helpful to the listeners. If it does not minister grace to the hearers, then it is useless talk, vain jangling. It is as sounding brass, and a tinkling cymbal. It is vanity! It is not decent, nor is it orderly. Cease from this foolishness! And let us do all things for exhortation and edification. Because, dear brother or sister, all else will be judged by the Lord, when He shall judge the secrets of men, and when men shall give account of every idle word. Let us always and only edify others!

“Father, this is a great lesson we must learn. Help us to learn it by your grace. May the Holy Spirit imprint and implant this truth so deeply in our hearts, it cannot be uprooted. May it change the way we speak, the way we act, and the way we view others. We must do all things to edifying! But we cannot do this without Thee. Remind us of this every time we gather with brothers and sisters in the Lord. Remind us when we are chatting and when we are conversing. Remind us of the words of Scripture, that all things must be done unto edifying. And we shall praise Thee for it. In Christ’s name, Amen.”