Critic or Construction Worker?

I recently received this email devotion from Dr. David Jeremiah. While he is talking about church leaders, I believe the same holds true for our employers and the leadership where we work.

Let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.Romans 14:19

One of the best ways to edify your church is to build up your pastor. Church members tend to expect perfection from their pastors, but they aren't likely to get it. They've got to realize that pastors are imperfect humans serving other imperfect humans in an imperfect environment. Along the way, they'll make some blunders. Blessed are those pastors who have supportive, patient, encouraging members to build them up.

Have you been a little critical of your church staff? Your deacons or elders? Your Sunday school class? Your fellow members? Have you spoken critically of your church? The Bible says, "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers" (Ephesians 4:29).

A builder needs to have the correct tools in order to construct a sturdy building. Our tongues should be a trowel of love spreading the cement of graciousness—not a wrecking ball shattering the nerves of others. If you've had a sharp tongue, replace it with love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control. Edify one another until He comes.

"Knowledge, in itself, does not edify. It is love that edifies; it is love that builds up." W. A. Criswell