Called To Edify

Although it is used infrequently in everyday conversation, the word "edify" simply means to build up and enlighten, instruct and improve. Think of the women in your current circle of influence. These are probably women who are effective in ministering to you and selflessly giving of themselves to meet your needs. Now, think of how you minister to them. How do you meet their needs and edify them?

The heart of the word edify can be characterized further with the following acronym:

E. – Encourage

Sisterhood quote #6 states “our words hold the power of life and death.” It is easy to tear others down with the words we say. For most of us it takes far more effort to look past another person’s shortcomings and missteps and speak words of encouragement and do those things which will build a person up.

D. – Desire

Most people can spot a phony a mile away. How often do we make quick excuses and say “I can’t” without really thinking through our ability to meet a need or “I really don’t want to” before considering the legitimacy of person’s request. We all need to be surrounded by people who have a genuine desire to come along side and walk the road of life with us.

I. – Involve

It goes without saying that anyone who seeks to edify another must be actively involved in that person’s life. One of the factors that hinder our ability to maintain a sense of sisterhood is isolation from other women. We have become so busy juggling the responsibilities of our own lives. Our thinking must shift to include others and involve ourselves in their world. Ask the question, what role can I play in this person’s life that will make a positive impact?

F. – Focus

Though the world may want me to believe otherwise, life really isn’t all about my needs, my desires, my agenda, etc. As women who desire to edify others and live a life of sisterhood and servanthood, we must change our focus. We shouldn’t bring detriment to ourselves for the sake of another’s well being, but we also shouldn’t be completely self absorbed. Women must be deliberate in their efforts to maintain a balance between having their personal needs satisfied and shifting their focus to include the needs of others.

Y. – Yield

When I choose to be an edifier, there may be times I have to yield my rights, desires and agenda in order to esteem or lift up someone else. If you are a wife, mother, employee or friend, you have certainly experienced this phenomenon. Needless to say, the principle of yielding is certainly easier to talk about than to practice.

In summary, when all these factors are in place in one’s life; I purpose to encourage others, I have a desire to enlighten and uplift them, I seek opportunities to involve myself in their lives, I shift my focus from my needs only and include the well being of others in my daily living, and I yield myself, if need be, in favor of someone else, it is then that I have truly answered the call to edify.