1 CORINTHIANS 14
6 Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? 7 If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? 8 And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle? 9 So with yourselves, if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? For you will be speaking into the air. 10 There are doubtless many different languages in the world, and none is without meaning, 11 but if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. 12 So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church. – 1 Corinthians 14:6-12
1 CORINTHIANS 14 THE GIFT OF SPEAKING IN TONGUES
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
If you have received the gift of speaking in tongues
You are able to utter another language you’ve never known
The Holy Spirit equips you to speak them so truth can be revealed
It doesn’t focus on your abilities but it aims to have the body edified
It makes one discern what is true and declare such to others
This gift is given to reveal truth, correct or encourage the believers.
According to bibleref.com “Paul never dismisses or discounts the gift of speaking in tongues, but his instructions seem to indicate that the gift was being misused in the Corinthian church services. Apparently, tongues were being used mostly for praying aloud to God in unknown languages. Paul agrees that this may be encouraging to the one who prays, but it is useless in the church service. If nobody can understand what is being said, the church is not being built up (1 Corinthians 14:1–17).”
Paul corrects the Corinthian believer not to misuse the gift of speaking in tongues. I think that all believers should take this reproof very seriously because one can easily edify oneself instead of the body of Christ. It could easily be turned into a self-focused ability or a performance-based act. This isn’t what spiritual gifts are supposed to be. It must not bring up the “self.” It needs to bring God all the praise and glory.
REFLECTION
- What are some ways that some churches have misused the gift of tongues?
