What edifies you?

What doesn’t edify you?

And, try not to roll your eyes too hard, because I think this is like my second time EVER citing the dictionary, BUT…

I found the definition of “edify” to be very intriguing:

“To instruct or improve (someone) morally or intellectually.”

What a perfect test, huh?!

The things that aren’t instructing me or helping me improve in some way, are not from God.

Which means… the opposite is true, too!

I LOVE reading my scriptures. Like, those totally are edifying in my life.

But there are also a ton of non-church-y things that edify me.

In fact, I love using the marker of “edify” to draw my firm line in the ever-shifting sand.

If a podcast is fascinating and it leaves me feeling edified, I am ALL for it!

And if a podcast doesn’t leave me feeling like a better person for having listened, then it’s probably one to work out of my regular listening schedule.

I don’t have to worry so much about ratings or count the bad words when it comes to media.

I just… know if I’m edified or not.

I know if I’m learning something useful. Or if I’m enjoying myself in an uplifting way.

Sometimes though, I’ve learned I have to take a much more mature approach to judging “edification”.

Because I don’t know about you, but trying to parent two little kids all day doesn’t always leave me feeling “instructed and improved”.

…in the moment.

While I’m actually scrubbing the toilet or folding that shirt for the millionth time, I don’t usually feel awesome about it.

But I know God is looking for spiritual maturity.

What is edifying me in the long-run? What is making me a better human being? A more Christlike woman?

Am I developing skills and qualities that will improve and instruct me when it comes to the big picture?

Or am I helping to improve and instruct others, thus chipping away at my own selfish tendencies?

Sometimes, judging “edification” is black and white. But other times, I have to take a step back and lean into my spiritual maturity to see what is really going to edify me.

Because if it edifies me, it is given to me of God.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

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6 Responses

  1. I have been enjoying reading your insights for awhile now. I would love to thank you for all your efforts to share your perspectives.

  2. Great topic and you addressed it so well. I haven’t been super observant until just recently about the stuff I watch on tv, but I’ve become much more vigilant as of late. I don’t hesitate to shut off the tv in the middle of a show if it just doesn’t feel right.

  3. I love a good comedy, but it’s hard to find one that you would call edifying. My justification has allowed me to enjoy shows that are funny… it’s not too bad I can ignore what I know isn’t right… Wrong! You have to be strong. Sometimes it takes more strength to turn the TV channel than to lift 100 pounds. Thank you for sharing this. I’m still working on flexing my remote control muscles.

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