Becoming a builder

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:11

The beginning of a new year naturally gets us thinking about what lies ahead. We make plans, set goals, and imagine what we want to accomplish.

But beneath all the planning is a deeper question worth asking: 

WHAT am I actually building with my life? Am I just building THINGS, or am I helping build up PEOPLE?

Most of us spend a great deal of energy building careers, resumes, and reputations. Those things matter, but they don’t tell the whole story. 

Scripture reminds us that every day, through our words and actions, we are choosing to either build other people up—or not. 

We build people up when we speak life instead of criticism.
We build people up when we show patience instead of frustration.
We build people up when we invest in them rather than using them to get ahead.

The truth is, long after projects end and positions change, what remains is how we treated other people, how faithfully we loved, and how consistently we reflected God’s character. 

This year, don’t just ask yourself what you want to achieve; ask who you want to be. Do you want to be one who builds others up–or not?

As you step into a new year, what are some ways you want to show up for others?

How can you build up others in the year to come?