1 Corinthians 14.20–25 'Be grown-up in your thinking' (Day 58)

Pray

Lord, prepare me to receive your word. Clear my mind and warm my heart. Assure me of your loving purposes for me, and speak into my life today.

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Exodus 10 Luke 13 Job 28 1 Corinthians 14

Daily reflection: 1 Corinthians 14

This chapter deals with orderliness in worship, including the issue of 'speaking in strange tongues'. This probably refers to the spiritual prayer language, unintelligible to its speakers or hearers, held to be one of the gifts of the Spirit. Speaking in tongues is practised not just by Pentecostal Christians but in many other parts of the Church. Though it's sometimes regarded with suspicion, it's widely accepted.

This isn't just about speaking in tongues, though – there's a broader principle at stake. In this passage Paul sounds a warning note not just about this, but other parts of the Corinthian Christians' worship too. He is concerned that while they are enjoying their times of praise together, they're creating a bad impression for those who don't share their faith ­– 'if some ordinary people or unbelievers come in, won't they say that you are all crazy?' (verse 23).

The warning here is against being self-indulgent in worship. Of course, churches have their own characters and ways of doing things, and Christian worship of any kind is going to seem odd to someone who isn't used to it. Newcomers have to be willing to learn. But Paul is being very practical, and saying we should not put unnecessary barriers in people's way to faith. We might thoroughly enjoy the songs, sermons and structures we're used to – but worship is not about us. It is a sacrifice of praise – and sacrifices are meant to cost something.

Pray

God, thank you for the times you speak to me as I worship you with my sisters and brothers in faith. Help me to be willing to see through others' eyes, and to be willing to compromise when it will help them in their walk with you.