Surprise! Another snow day. We’ve been busy, but there is more yet to accomplish. Guide my thoughts in my time with You, Father, and I pray for safety on our travels. Amen.
1 Corinthians 14:1-25 (<<click here to read the passage)
I think that it’s interesting that some are drawn to things that benefit those around us or the world as a whole, and others are drawn to what benefits themselves. As I ponder that, it seems that the entire world is composed of people who fall on one side of the other. And the thing is, the Church falls into those same categories.
No one is excluded – even pastors (we are human, as well). Some are all about the Body of Christ – the Church – and others are all about themselves, though it may be under the guise of their care of the Body. Some are fooled as to what the truth is, but many are not. Many are just happy to go along for the ride, right or wrong.
Interestingly enough, the church to whom the Apostle Paul wrote – the church in Corinth that we have been reading of was a mess. You would think that this close to the beginning of Christianity, they would have had a leg up on the rest of us…but no, that was not the case. The entirety of 1 Corinthians addresses issues, and chapter 14 is no exception.
From verse 1 through verse 25, Paul speaks of people seeking the gift of tongues – speaking in other languages. It’s a gift that brings glory and attention to oneself if one is not careful. Paul stated that he, too, spoke in tongues but felt it more important that the gift of prophecy be sought after. That gift edified the Church, bringing glory and attention to the Church.
By its very nature, the gift of tongues focused on the individual unless some kind of translation was provided. If someone were to step up to the pulpit and begin speaking in German, they, for the most part, would get blank stares, and people would probably start leaving unless, by chance, they happened to understand German. On the other hand, if someone fluent in German stood by their side and translated for them, it would be a totally different story.
That’s where the problem lay in Corinth. Speaking in tongues was a flashy, look-at-me kind of gift for some, and all they cared about was being in the spotlight with everyone in awe of their ability.
Paul declared in verses 1 and 3-5,
Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy… But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.
May our goal be to lift the Body – the Church – with whatever gift we are blessed with. It is not about us. We are called to glorify God and to build His Kingdom. Amen!
Jan 16th, 2024, Tues, 2:23 pm
