Head: Know God’s Word | Heart: Love God | Hands: Follow God’s Way
Read 1 Corinthians 14
HEAD
We’ve been reading some pretty cool stuff about spiritual gifts over the last little bit. Those gifts are meant to build up the church and strengthen our faith. When I first read chapter 14, I got a little caught up in all the instructions for speaking in tongues, but I reread verse 1 and what got me was this, “Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.” Prophesying is telling others about Jesus. That should be our main goal and when we do that, it should be done in love. We don’t want to be causing chaos and confusion by using our gifts in ways that make US look better. Verse 26 says, “Let all things be done for building up.” We want our talking, praying, singing, etc., to point people to Jesus!
HEART
Imagine your teacher is trying to teach you something new. The whole class thinks they already know what she’s trying to teach you so they all start yelling out the way they think it should be taught. That would cause so much chaos! There would be so much chaos you couldn’t tell what the right way even is. That’s what Paul warns against in this chapter. The early church all wanted to talk at the same time and that did nothing but confuse people. He wants us to be slow to speak and not cause confusion so that people can clearly see Jesus. Verse 33 says, “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace”.
HANDS
God gave us such a special gift in being able to tell others about Him. Be so wise with how you do it. Be kind and encouraging, clear and quick to listen. Practice being those things this week so when it’s your time to share about Jesus, you will be ready!
Prayer: God, thank You for the gifts You have given us! We don’t take them lightly. Help all of my words bring life and encouragement to those around me. Help me to remember to speak words that will bring others closer to You and to love the way that You love us. Amen.