Speaking in tongues and prophesying are just two of the many gifts of the Holy Spirit, and Paul chooses to showcase them here for us. I wonder why Paul chose these two to speak about. It seems Paul thinks they are both desirable gifts.
Paul does differentiate between the two gifts. He explains that speaking in tongues is more for personal use and blessing (unless an interpreter is available in a group). As for the gift of prophecy, Paul says this one should be highly desired because it can help the group of believers the most.
When I read this, I was also reminded of all the teachings of Paul, warning us about false prophets. How can we discern whether a prophecy is a result of someone being gifted by the Holy Spirit or not? We should listen carefully to make sure any prophecies are from God. Paul doesn’t get into that here.
Since I don’t have the gift of interpretation, it can be a little uncomfortable to hear people speaking in tongues in a public setting. Speaking in tongues is often called a prayer language because they are words you share intimately with God when you pray. In a public setting, it helps me to remember that I am not the one being prayed to, so it really doesn’t matter if I don’t understand. If God wanted me to understand, there would be someone present who had been gifted with interpretation.
Some Christians I have encountered in my life feel that speaking in tongues is the ultimate gift because it draws you closer to the heart of God. Paul doesn’t disagree with the blessing part, but he realizes those prayers don’t build up the church like the other gifts. Since the Holy Spirit’s purpose in giving us gifts is to help the community of believers, speaking in tongues should not be the most important.
“Since you are so eager to have the special abilities the Spirit gives, seek those that will strengthen the whole church.” That is great counsel from Paul. When you think about the way you have been gifted, the next immediate question should be, “How can I use this gift?” Sometimes fear and uncertainty hold us back from pursuing our gifts and using them. The opposite should be true.
We should unwrap our spiritual gifts like an eager child on Christmas morning ripping open the paper, chomping at the bit to play with all his new toys. If you’ve been gifted with leadership, imagine the joy in your own heart when you see the fruits of your influence over a group of believers who have been wandering around lost. Or if your gift is giving, see a ministry thriving because you gave it life with your abundance. As a missionary working at an orphanage, we love people with the gift of giving!
We shouldn’t get lost in the debate of which gift is better. They are all perfectly designed and given by the wise and wonderful Holy Spirit. We can ask for gifts that we’d like to have in our lives, but don’t be concerned if the answer is no or not yet. Take delight in how you have been gifted and get out there and serve the body of Christ!
Let’s pray. Lord, I am so grateful for how you have gifted me and how you continue to guide me each day. I want to be so in tune with you and your plans for me. Help me use my gifts in the most God-honoring ways. I want to help others discover their gifts and use them to build up the body of Christ. You have thought of everything so that we can all help each other draw closer to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
