1 Corinthians 14:1-20

 1 Corinthians 14:1-20

Having expressed the better option that is love, in contrast to their failures at almost every level. Paul returns to the theme of overcoming factionalism, but here specifically in the matter of ‘tongues.’ As with almost everything else at Corinth, there was a party spirit about spiritual gifts. Perhaps they had even written to ask which was better, tongues or prophecy. Paul answers that prophecy is in fact superior but does so in a bigger context.

Paul begins by pointing out that no gift that is self-serving can be a priority in the church. Whatever was happening in tongues at Corinth was apparently deeply moving and personally uplifting to the person having the experience. However, Paul makes the point that while he is happy for their personal experience, a benefit to the whole church is much preferred. (verse 5) The fruit of the speaker is found in the profit or benefit of the hearer. 

Paul also warns that the unbridled pursuit of experience can leave a person open to dangers. If the experience is nonsensical, it is like music that has no distinct sound or talking to someone with whom there is no common language. Our pursuit makes us useless. Our selfish pursuit expresses the wrong motivation for the wrong purpose and is driven by the wrong spirit , perhaps our own, or even something worse, rather than God’s Spirit. Paul encourages a desire for and pursuit of spiritual gifts, but those gifts that benefit the whole church, not just ourselves. 

Paul next points out the priority of engaging the mind. Our subjective personal experience may give us a good feeling, but it will not require much of us. In that ecstatic state we bump along having a good feeling without a care for others or the bigger picture or reality of the Christian faith and the relationships that it involves.  Those who are well versed in Christianity will be unhurt and unhelped by our pursuit of experience. But those outsiders will be unhelped and perhaps damaged by the display. Instead, Paul advises engaging our minds at every level. Not because it is easy, but because it benefits others. Paul compares the Corinthian experience to childishness. Children prefer easy to hard, experience to substance, and glitter to valuable. We all do, but mature people have the self-discipline to take control of themselves and do what is best even if it is hard. 

“Lord, help me to think deeply and then serve selflessly. AMEN”