Brick Thrower or Bricklayer?

We are continually making choices.

Some benefit us.  Some do not.  Some choices we make benefit others.  Some choices do not.  Throughout our lives we have the choice and opportunity to either be someone who will build others up, or we can aim our life at tearing others down.

We can either choose to be a brick thrower or a bricklayer.

Brick throwers keep busy in life by scrutinizing others.  They see other peoples issues and they are quick to point out the PROBLEMS without offering any help to get to the SOLUTION.  They are always ready to unload bricks at any person who doesn’t have things lined up with the way they think they should be.

Bricklayers keep busy in life looking for ways to strengthen others.  They see peoples issues, but instead of throwing bricks, they get busy helping them build foundations that will strengthen their lives.  They are always willing to reach in and help encourage people in a way where their lives are BUILT UP.

Paul says this in Romans 14:19:

“So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.”

He was tired of seeing believers throwing bricks instead of laying them in each others lives.  He wanted to remind the church the goal is to build up, strengthen and encourage - not tear down, hurl criticism, and leave destruction.

A brick in itself doesn’t make the choice to build up and strengthen or be hurled to tear down.  It is all about the person holding the brick.

In the same way, our words and actions (much like bricks) have the opportunity to build up or tear down.

Proverbs18:21
The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

Will I choose to be a brick thrower or a bricklayer?