"Desiring Edification"

"They speak vanity every one with his neighbor: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak." (Psalms 12:2) If you hang around with clowns you are likely to either join the circus or feel like a fool. One more reason why it is important to keep ourselves in fellowship with those that speak of truth and life; because, if you have ever been forced to hang out with people who are vile, or who do not believe in God, then you might understand what I am talking about. David had some first hand experience in this matter, as he dwelt among the enemies of God and of Israel; although he acted the part of a crazy man while he was living among them, he still was able to keep his faith in God from being marred by their pagan ways. However, this is not the time that David is speaking of, but it was within the kingdom of Israel for which he spoke, and where this was taking place. As some of you may know, any time that a new pastor is given the privilege to take over a church, there is usually a period of several years before he will actually become that church's pastor. Not that he is doing anything wrong in his endeavor to be the pastor, but that there are those within that body who wish to conform him to the image of what they think their pastor should be. Therefore, there are usually several splits that will take place; and sometimes, this transition may require at least six years of service before it has taken hold and is complete. Sadly, some will not survive this transition period; for it is harsh, and requires a heart that cares for nothing more than serving God; sometimes, at all cost. In the transition period between the rein of Saul and David, not all of Israel were behind their new king; not even those that were loyal to David did all that they could to make his rein start smoothly; being more interested in their own position and reputation, they would tear at the fabric of the kingdom in order to do so. Edification builds up; it does not tear down! In this verse, as David says, "they speak vanity every one with his neighbor", the idea of neighbor is one of friend or companion; in other words, someone with whom they agree most closely with, or with whom their will most closely aligns. The vanity that they speak is empty words, or words of falsehood and worthlessness; of which nothing of any good will come forth from what they speak. I like what Paul says on this subject, and how that when we edify one another, we are also building up ourselves as we build up each other; for we are all one body!!! "But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not to one another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him: where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him." (Colossians 3:8-17)