April 12, 2000
Andy Smith

Word:

Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially the gift of speaking what God has revealed. When a person speaks in another language, he doesn't speak to people, but to God. No one understands him. His spirit is speaking mysteries. But when a person speaks what God has revealed, he speaks to people to help them grow, to encourage them, and to comfort them. When a person speaks another language, he helps himself grow. But when a person speaks what God has revealed, he helps the church Grow.

Musical instruments like the flute or harp produce sounds. If there is no difference in the notes, how can a person tell what tune is being played? For example, if the trumpet doesn’t sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? In the same way, if you don't speak in a way that can be understood, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will be talking into thin air.

If I pray in another language, my spirit prays, but my mind is with my spirit, and I will pray with my mind. I will sing songs with my spirit, and I will sing psalms with my mind. Otherwise, if you praise God only with your spirit, how can others say "Amen!" to your prayer of thanksgiving? They don't know what you're saying. Your prayer of thanksgiving may be very good, but it doesn't help other people grow.

~ 1 Corinthians 14:1-4, 7-9, 14-17

Thought:

Paul's words are clear. As Christians, we can not afford to be quiet about our faith. We can not sit back and quietly worship God in our mind. If we are to follow the great comission that Jesus gives in Matthew 28:19-20 and "...make disciples of of all nations...[and] teach them to do everything I have commanded you...," then we can not dare to be silent followers. There can not be such a thing. Paul is saying that while worshiping through individual, private expression does honor the Lord, it does no good at all in nurturing others in the way of God. Helping others find Christ is, after all, what being Christians is all about. So next time you skip over saying grace at the lunch table, thinking that "hey, God know's I'm thankful...my friends don't need to see me pray..." think twice about it. After all, how are people supposed to say "Amen!" if they don't know grace is being said?

Prayer:

Sweet Heavenly Jesus, I ask You today to give me the courage that I need to stay strong in Your light and to walk streight on Your path. I ask that You help me to bold in Your name, so that others might see Your love in my life. Lord, You know it's hard, and You know I won't always do right in Your eyes, but Father empower me so that I might bring to Your name the glory that is Yours. In Your Son's Holy name.

Amen