The passage I am reading and studying this morning is in 1 Corinthians 14. Here Paul is writing of the differences of prophecy and speaking in tongues. I have heard of those that speak in tongues are engaging with God on a really personal level. They are so deep in worship that they are unintelligible to those around them. This passage helped me to understand the value and detriment of speaking in tongues.
“10There are doubtless many different languages in the world, and none without meaning, 11but if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me.” – 1 Corinthians 14:10-11 (ESV)
The speaking of tongues is meant for the communication between one and God. This is not to say that it is not worth listening to, but if I do not understand what is being said by one speaking, then there is no value in the words being spoken, to me. I remember speaking with a friend and she revealed to me that the first time she picked up God’s word and opened to read, despite being written in the language she is fluent in, she was unable to decipher what was written as it appeared to her to be written in a different language entirely. As such, the Word of God was of no use to her as she was unable to read for herself and study to gain even more knowledge.
“13Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret. 14For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. 15What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also.” – 1 Corinthians 14:13-15 (ESV)
There is a distinct purpose for the speaking in tongues, and Paul writes that he is thankful to be able to speak in tongues. But, if the understanding of the words spoken are unintelligible, then they are of no use to the building up of those around me. It is my duty to bring the gospel to those around me in a way that they are able to understand and being built up.
I should be engaged in prayer for the same as noted in the verses above. I am responsible to the building up of others. I still should take the time and the action to commune with God whether in tongues or not, but I also have the responsibility to share with those around me in interpretation or in words they understand so they are built up and grow closer to God. By the way, when my friend understood and became a follower of Christ, she was able to read the Bible and has grown in her faith, being built up, every since.
When you speak, are you speaking to be heard or understood? Are you growing in faith and expecting others to grow and learn the same way you do? What if we prayed and spoke to build up others as opposed to being heard?
Trevor's Thoughts 