Edifice

The term edify means to build someone up or to uplift them with encouragement. When you think of the word edifice, it refers to an imposing building or structure. Steel, concrete, brick, and mortar. Built to withstand any oncoming storm. In much the same way, when we edify someone, we give them strength to withstand any oncoming storm in their lives. I can't tell you the number of times when the simplest gesture from someone, a wave or a nod, has helped build me up, giving me strength to get through the moment. However, those people who have intentionally invested in me over a prolonged period of time, have given me an even greater strength that has effected lasting changes in my makeup.

The issue is not whether you edify someone as a short term investment (i.e. a compliment, a handshake, a brief encounter) or whether you edify someone as a longer term investment (i.e. befriending or mentoring someone), the issue is that we should be strengthening one another regularly. I have noticed that folks, especially men, feel awkward or less than manly if they try to edify others. We all need to find a way to get past this weakness. To appreciate this fact, just think back to when someone went out of their way to build you up. If you can remember how powerful their investment in you was, whether short-term or longer-term, you cannot help to pass this same gift on to another.

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "Today," so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. (Hebrews 3:13)