To Tear down...or Build Up?

     Although it states in Ecclesiastes 3 "there is a time to break down, and a time to build up," it seems to me that we have focused far too much on the breaking down part of this phrase in our society.  In fact, it seems like all we do these days is break people down.  Our media, our politics, even our religious institutions all seem to thrive at breaking people down.  After all, it's a lot easier to break down and tear down, rather than build up.  Gossip, criticism, negativity, complaining, whining all contribute to breaking people down.  Amendments to constitutions, bullying in schools and on facebook, even some sermons are aimed at tearing down, excluding, judging, criticizing.

     Quite frankly, I've had enough of it.  Enough of people using religion and God to tear down other people.  Enough of "Christians" being even more vicious, ugly, hateful than atheists.  Enough of the Holy Scriptures written to show God's love and compassion to all people USED to keep people second class citizens, whether it's people from a different race, different gender, different sexual orientation, different economic status.  I'm tired of hearing "tearing down" comments.
     I read scripture and I see Jesus building up.  Building up the woman caught in adultery.  Building up the disciples even though they continually miss the point.  Building up the little children.  Building up the women, the Samaritans, and all those who were different in any way, shape or form.  All I see is Jesus affirming people.  So how in the world can followers of Jesus act in ways so contrary to the One they follow?
     I don't know.  I don't think I want to know.  All I know to do is to keep speaking the truth in love.  Keep surrounding yourself with people who want to build up.  Avoid lengthy contact with those intent on tearing down.  Keep your eyes on Jesus.  Keep being a voice for Christianity that tries to imitate the One it follows.  It's a crazy, messy, chaotic, human kind of world out there.  Look for the good, the positive, the beautiful, the inspiring.  The Spirit is at loose and at work among us.  And believe me, the Spirit's in the business of building up!