Speaking Clearly
Is there anything worse than being misunderstood?
Pursue love and strive for the spiritual gifts, and especially that you may prophesy. For those who speak in a tongue do not speak to other people but to God; for nobody understands them, since they are speaking mysteries in the Spirit. On the other hand, those who prophesy speak to other people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. Those who speak in a tongue build up themselves, but those who prophesy build up the church. - 1 Corinthians 14:1-4
Paul tells us that it is more important to be heard and understood by the members of the church than to have a special gift of being able to speak to God.
He talks about the gift of prophesy which we often think of as the ability to see the future. But Paul describes it differently, as a means of building up the church.
One of the most powerful tools we have is our ability to communicate. How amazing it is that we can share what we are thinking with someone else and they can actually understand us?
What we say to each other matters.
We can be encouraging or we can bring people down, all with the power of the tongue. Everyday I see and hear examples of this on social media, and unfortunately most of what I see brings people down.
It does little to build up the church, if by church I mean the body of the people of God.
Why do we do this to one another? We could be positive instruments of peace, but we choose, all too often, to spread negativity and hate.
What do you think would happen if for just one day we all chose to build up rather than tear down?
What would our conversations be like?
How much of a difference would it make in the world?
Chances are not everyone would do it and so many of us would back off for fear of looking or sounding foolish, but think about it. What is the risk of being positive and supportive, even in those instances where we disagree with each other?
If it brings us together and helps all of us, it's worth a shot, isn't it?
Let's try. Starting now.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord by speaking clearly and being understood.
More to come...