How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. …Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order.
1 Corinthians 14:26, 39-40 NKJV
We’re prone to kind of giggle at the Corinthians when we read Paul’s description of their gatherings. They must have been having quite the shindig! The one thing that strikes me is that he didn’t say, “Y’all are nutty Charismatics. You need to quit that!” Instead, he gave them some advice on how to order their gatherings based on one simple principle: We want everyone to be edified, meaning built up, not torn up. I wonder if Paul stumbled into many of our churches today, would his instruction be more like, “Y’all need to get stirred up. It’s like a mausoleum in here!”
He concludes his remarks with three simple instructions. I think we would be wise to follow them:
- Desire earnestly to prophesy. He’s talking to the congregation. Remember verse 26: everybody came with something to offer. Before you go to church, earnestly seek God. Be available to be used to bless someone.
- Don’t forbid to speak with tongues. Even if they get a little crazy or it makes others uncomfortable, don’t ban it. God is trying to edify His people.
- Establish some kind of order. It’s not a free-for-all. Edification is the purpose, how it’s achieved is left to the leadership in each church. When you go to any church, find out how they order the service and seek to follow.
OK. We have our marching orders. Seek God, speak in tongues if you like, be decent and orderly. When God speaks and we can hear Him, edification follows.
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