Value of Words Spoken out of Understanding
Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 14:13-19 (NASB)
13 Therefore let one who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15 What is the outcome then? I will pray with the spirit and I will pray with the mind also; I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also. 16 Otherwise if you bless in the spirit only, how will the one who fills the place of the ungifted say the “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not know what you are saying? 17 For you are giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not edified. 18 I thank God, I speak in tongues more than you all; 19 however, in the church I desire to speak five words with my mind so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue.
SUMMARY
Paul teaches the Corinthians that when they receive the gift of tongues, then they should also pray to receive the gift of interpretation. This is because while praying in a tongue enables a person to communicate with God spiritually, it does not give that person understanding of the mind. Also if others cannot understand the meaning of what is being spoken, such prayer cannot have a positive influence on the church. Paul says that although it is highly regarded to have the gift of tongues, it is better that a person speaks few words of his sincere mind than of the words in a tongue where no one around can be edified.
MEDITATION & REFLECTION
Reading through the first book of Corinthians...I am just amazed how Paul was so consumed with the well-being of the entire body of Christ--the church. He was aware how spiritual gifts were so abundant in Corinthian Christians, but yet was deeply saddened by the fact that Corinthians failed to see the most important thing--loving fellow believers and edifying each other. I remember how Paul's heart was so torn to find division among its members. He was furious to find out there was sexual immorality in church which even in the outside world would be detested with. He knew of the fact that although so many spiritual gifts were present--and those gifts were admired--that Corinthians were missing the love for one another and missing the purpose of their gifts. Instead of boasting of one's gift, it is important that the members of the church always think about the good of the whole congregation and how to encourage one another. Yes, it is beneficial and edifying of oneself to pray in spirit and in a tongue, but as Paul emphasized, it is better if others can be lifted from your prayer by understanding of one's mind.
APPLICATION
Paul writes "however, in the church I desire to speak five words with my mind so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue." This verse is very comforting and also encouraging as I sometimes get a bit burdened to pray for others in public. I am thinking in my head to not disappoint others and perhaps try too hard to find the right words to pray. But I guess it's okay to speak a few words as long as what I say and pray for is out of love and sincerity. Prayer doesn't have to impress others with lengthy words or articulation. Prayer just needs to come from my mind to edify and encourage others. Just as Paul regards a few words of one's mind higher than a thousand words of tongue, God will be delighted to hear a prayer coming out of my mind even though words are not so perfectly put together as long as it's out of care and love. Application question asks "How should your prayer be changed considering Paul's advice?" The advice that I take from Paul is edification.. Although Paul desired each one of the believers seek to prophesy, heal, and to interpret tongues, he did not want us to keep these gifts to ourselves. Sometimes it is easier to pray in tongues because it just comes out without much thinking. I realized that I should seek to have understanding and I should try to excel in "gifts that build up the church" 1 Cor. 14:12 (NIV) as Paul preaches us to.
PRAYER
Father, thank you for your gift of faith.
I realize that even being able to believe in all the miracles that happened in the Bible and our lives is because you have granted that gift to me.
Father, I'm realizing through Paul's preaching that every gift has a purpose. A purpose to serve others and build up the church. Every gift you provide is not just for the enjoyment of oneself but to edify the church you love. Lord, forgive me if I have been neglecting such a wonderful gift from you. Also, help me to seek the gift of interpretation so praying in tongues not only blesses me but can bless others around me. Lord, help me to seek the purpose in the gifts you gave me in my life. Help me not to cowardly turn away from that purpose. Guide my steps and hold my hands in that path.
I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
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