Booksellers know that one of the largest selling categories is the 'How To' books. We recognize that we need advice on just about everything - and you can find a book on just about everything.  The Bible is the best "How To' book.
 
One of the popular topics deals with relationships and uses the illustration of the relationship between parent and child. 
 
                 ".. we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory."  1 Thessalonians 2:11-12
 
Perhaps this book could be titled, "How to Build Up Others Effectively."  This scripture also applies to relationships between any leader and those he or she is responsible for leading; and between you as a Christian and those with whom you are in contact.  If we were to learn nothing more, but were able to live out this verse in Thessalonians, we would be blessed ourselves and a blessing to others.
 
                   "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up,
                           just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11
 
Encourage one another:  You may be tempted to agree with your friends in their despair and disappointment and thereby discourage them from their plans.  What happens when we join in the complaints and criticism? What can we do to encourage them?  May we be a part of the solution and not the problem.
 
Build each other up:  In a counseling class we were told that when dealing with children we should encourage them nine times for every one time we make a correction.  It is amazing how quickly a discouraging word can change the attitude of a person or even crush their spirit. 
 
It takes a lot longer to build a house than to tear it down.  A house does not get built by itself any more than a child or a new Christian will automatically mature into a fine person.  God enlists us to join the crew to help with the building process.
 
                              Let us not forget the urgency of our mission. 
                             We have a message that can change lives for eternity.
 
Builders,
Pastor Bob and Marion Rieth