May 23, 2016

Build People Up Not Down

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. -- 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Have you ever been surrounded by critics? It might even be just one person who is determined to cut you down no matter what. Sometimes that critic lives inside of you.

Today I refused to add the seasonings to eggs that were to be scrambled. I’ve done it myself numerous times. It’s easy and not a big deal. So why did I just say no? Because I knew that I wouldn’t do it “just right.” And I didn’t want to deal with the criticism.

Have you ever avoided doing something because you didn’t want to hear the commentary? I think it happens to all of us. Sometimes it’s just easier to walk away than to deal with it.

There are just some people who can only feel good about themselves when they are putting others down. It’s like in their own sick minds their self-esteem rises when someone else’s self-esteem heads downhill. And they are determined to help the slide.

We see a lot of critics in the workplace. It’s a game. No one considers that working as a team helps everyone. Nope. There’s always one or two or more who believe that the only way up is if everyone else is going down. How sad they are.

And we see a lot of critics at home. Have you ever seen a child who is beaten down? Not physically but emotionally and mentally. They either give up or rebel. I don’t know which is worse.

I grew up in a home like that. If someone gave me a compliment, I was immediately told not to let it go to my head. And, for good measure, I’d have something that needed “improvement” quickly pointed out. I never thought I could do anything because that’s what I was told.

The worst thing is those critical voices now live inside of me. I am at times my own worst enemy because I listen to those voices that tell me what I can’t do. It’s a constant battle. I know I am not alone in that.

The Bible clearly tells us to build people up. We are to encourage one another. What happened to actually living that in our homes and our workplaces?

Last Sunday at church we recognized the graduating seniors. Some teens had many family members in attendance. Others, well, I’m not sure they had anyone. It didn’t matter. Each young person was showered with praise and applause and whistles and such. Equally, I might add. Because they are all equally important.

What we say and do matters. Pay attention. Are we building someone up or tearing them down? The answer could affect someone for the rest of their lives.