Building up?

Building up?

"They helped every one his neighbour; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage. So the carpenter encouraged the goldsmith, and he that smootheth with the hammer him that smote the anvil, saying, It is ready for the sodering: and he fastened it with nails, that it should not be moved." Isaiah 41:6-7

Ok, on the surface, this seems like great encouragement, right? They're telling each other to "be of good courage" which means 'be strong'. What are they building though? Actually, they're literally creating idols!

Nothing like a good Ole fashioned pat on the back! After all, the world loves it's own. We, in Christ, can learn from this too. While the world encourages & promotes evil and detestable things, we must build up one another too in the Lord, in His ways and in His Word!

"Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves." 1 Thessalonians 5:11-13

Encouraging others is great but in which direction are they going, more of the world or in Christ? I've pondered this much lately. I encourage you to do the same. Are we willing to take a deeper look into the things & people we applaud?