Daily Devotional for Wednesday, August 13

The Analogies Concerning this Gift

“For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?…Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church,” 1 Corinthians 14:8, 12.

My son began learning the saxophone at a very young age. He played in various bands at school and our family attended many concerts over the years. For those who have never attended an elementary school band concert, well, it is not always pleasant to the ears to put it delicately! While it is endearing to see the children learning their instruments, they have not yet honed their musical skills. We often found it difficult to distinguish what songs were being played by these young fifth and sixth graders.

For many years, certain instruments had been used to announce important military signals such as an impending attack or a call to retreat. It was vital that these sounds be clearly distinguished one from the other by those who heard. Paul used this as an analogy concerning prophesying and tongues in the church. What use was an unknown language if the church body could not understand what was being said? It did not serve to edify the church, but rather led to confusion.

Although we do not have the gift of tongues today, we can still learn much from Paul’s admonition. All things done within the church must serve to build one another in the faith. Those who speak in the church must always do so with the intent to glorify God and edify the body. Any motivation to uplift oneself or simply be heard does not belong in God’s house. We are there to worship and reverence our Lord. All that is said and done is to be in tune with God’s Word and bring us into harmony with Christ.

REFLECTION

“Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do”

(1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Darla Goodrum