Building Up and Tearing Down

Anyone who has ever played with blocks knows this simple truth: it can be way more fun to knock it all down with a crash than to painstakingly balance block after block.  Especially for toddlers.

Building up takes effort, a plan, and skill.
Tearing down only requires gravitational force and desire to destroy.

It applies everywhere in life.  It’s hard to build up.  In the physical world, it defies the natural disorder where chaos rules.  In the world of words, it’s harder to encourage than to criticize.

What kind of fruit should Christians produce? The Apostle Paul admonished people who claim to be Christian to live by a better standard of fruit-bearing:

Work to share.  Ephesians 4:28 “Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.”

Build up to benefit others. Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Attitude reorientation toward goodness. Ephesians 4:30 “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

By their fruit, you will know them.