In the New Testament, the words "edify" and edification" mean "to build up." They are translated from Greek terms that refer to a building or the act of building a structure. Thus, the edification God intends for Christians to experience is something solid and substantial, not sensational and hollow (emotional). How are we to be built up and edified?

We are built up by the word of God. "So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified" (Acts 20:32).

Worship and the public proclamation of God's word are designed to bring about our edification (1 Cor. 14:3-5, 26). Worship was never intended to be entertainment. It will benefit those who see it as an opportunity to be strengthened and encouraged spiritually.

God has given different people to the church for its edification. "And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ" (Eph. 4:11-12). Notice, nothing is said about "recreational coordinators." Edification is spiritual.