Are You a Builder or a Decorator?

At bible study this morning, we were talking about encouragement and the humility it requires.  Our initial conversation began with little ways to compliment each other: "Hey, I like that shirt" or "That's a cool hat you're wearing."  Those are nice things to say and they can be encouraging to someone.  We often refer to this as "building someone up".

But, after a little discussion, one of the guys chimed in and said, "I don't think it's talking about giving someone a compliment.  That's nice and all, but I think it's more about encouraging someone in the truth of God's Word."

But, God's Word can often offend.  How do you encourage someone when the truth can hurt?  The only way to "build someone up" is to point them to the Builder.  Jesus called Himself the Cornerstone.  He is the foundation of the church itself.  So truly building the church means that all of our conversations need to point to Christ.  It's there, in His presence, we can be encouraged and convicted.

Yet, we have this idea that encouragement is merely this pretty way of flattering people.  We pay each other compliments, say nice things, and claim we are building the body of Christ.  To some extent, that might be true.  But, there is more to building each other up than just saying nice things.  What if one of us has a sin or bad habit we can't break that will lead to our destruction?  Will we tell the truth and call each other out like Nathan to David after sleeping with Bethsheba and murdering her husband (2 Samuel 11-12)?

So here is the question: Am I a Builder or a Decorator?

The builder is often subject to uncontrollable elements and uncomfortable situations that can be hard to navigate.  The decorator, on the other hand, has a job once the house is already built.  This job makes the place a pleasant, livable area that is enjoyed by anyone who walks through the door.  

However, many of us try to decorate a house that is not completely built.  Some of us need to be demolished for a complete rebuild, and yet we don't want to lay the foundation because it means we will have to drip sweat and get dirty.  It also requires great strength and precision.  We'd rather decorate  and compliment each other than make a house that is functional.  But a nicely painted house that has termites, dry rot and water damage is not a very safe one.  It might look nice on the inside.  But, once an inspector comes to check it out, he's going to make sure you leave until the necessary repairs are made.

So, am I willing to help build God's house?  Am I willing to encourage and edify my brothers and sisters who are working alongside me?  More so, am I willing to be built, and even torn down to allow the necessary renovations to take place in my life?  We can decorate each other all we want.  But if we aren't properly built, we could cause someone real pain.

Now, constantly tearing people down doesn't make you a great builder at all.  That just makes you a demolitionist.  Remember, the only reason for tearing something down is to build something better in it's place.  It's so important to appreciate each other.  The goal is to genuinely build AND decorate someone to their full potential in the Lord. 

So, are you a builder or a decorator?  I would pray we can all function as both.  Some of us need to be built, while there are others who need some decoration.