speaking in tongues

Good morning sisters and brothers,
I'm sorry to send this so early, but I have an early start in the morning and had some free time this evening. I was listening to this passage during an afternoon run and struck by how strange and sensible Paul's words are. Paul is giving advice on worship here. He suggests that, while all the spiritual gifts pale in importance next to love, prophecy is the most important gift. By prophecy Paul seems to mean not only the extraordinary gift of understanding the future, but also understanding the present, people, and situations. The prophet sees how God is at work in the church and world, and by rational instruction builds up the church. That's why Paul values this gift so highly; it is a powerful example of being tapped into God's wisdom through the Holy Spirit. It is a gift we expect through prayer as we gather at the session table or in our annual meeting as well as a gift from long ago Bible stories.

In contrast, Paul talks about speaking in tongues. This is also a spiritual gift that Paul appreciates and practices, but he has some warnings to share about this gift. Speaking in tongues means not only speaking in other human languages without learning them (like at Pentecost) but also speaking a mysterious spiritual language unintelligible to most people. In some ways speaking in tongues seems like a direct connection between the Spirit within the worshiper and God that goes deeper than our conscious thought. Paul doesn't discount the spiritual value of this gift, he only worries that it doesn't build up the church, unless there is someone there who has a spiritual gift to interpret this language for the benefit of others. This seems very strange to those of us who have never experienced speaking in tongues (that includes me). But I have friends who have the gift of tongues and I trust their experience, even though I don't understand it. God works in different ways with each of us, but when it comes to worship one of the most important question is whether our experience of God is also useful for others.

Blessings on the new week,
Sam

1 Corinthians 14:1-13

Pursue love and strive for the spiritual gifts, and especially that you may prophesy. 2For 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. 3On the other hand, those who prophesy speak to other people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. 4Those who speak in a tongue build up themselves, but those who prophesy build up the church. 5Now I would like all of you to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. One who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.

6Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I speak to you in some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? 7It is the same way with lifeless instruments that produce sound, such as the flute or the harp. If they do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is being played? 8And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle? 9So with yourselves; if in a tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is being said? For you will be speaking into the air. 10There are doubtless many different kinds of sounds in the world, and nothing is without sound. 11If then I do not know the meaning of a sound, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. 12So with yourselves; since you are eager for spiritual gifts, strive to excel in them for building up the church. 13Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray for the power to interpret.