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 1 Corinthians 14:1-3 - Help Someone Today


        The Bible is clear: men and women of God must be others focused - not focused on themselves.  God gifts us to help others.  Desire today to strengthen, comfort, and encourage others.  That’s our mindset.

        God will give us a revelation of special knowledge, prophecy, or teaching that will help other believers.  He’ll keep our mouths shut when needed and give us just the right words to say if we seek Him and seek to be helpful.

        You see, God expects us to bear fruit, to be effective, and practical.  The bugler must sound a clear call to bring God’s soldiers to battle (14:8).  Bugle clearly, for we are engaged in a spiritual war.  The gifts and spiritual abilities we seek have spiritual consequences.

        Every language has meaning.  Speaking in tongues means speaking a language that has meaning (14:10).  God makes several universal Church standards in this chapter, but I think it noteworthy to reflect on what this chapter says compared to how our churches currently operate.

        There is a clear distinction in this passage between what is done in private (our homes or home groups of believers) and in public meetings where there will be unbelievers.  That is highly relevant to both the discussion about tongues and the distinctions between male and female roles.  More on that in the next blog.

        In Psalm 141 we hear the prayer of the righteous asking God to take control of every word we say.  We don’t want to drift away or participate in wicked acts.  Let that be our prayer.  God wants us to run with purpose in every step and to listen and speak with purpose.  It is the meaning of the words that counts.  

        We must be as innocent as babies when it comes to evil.  But we must be as mature as Moses when it comes to spiritual matters.  We know from Scripture that eyes with no concern about what God thinks they see, a proud and arrogant heart, and evil actions are all sins (Proverbs 21:4).  We ought to know better.  We can draft all the books on professional practice, ethics, and organizational codes of conduct, but the Bible hits the nail on the head.  Fear of the LORD and genuine humility are God’s prescriptions for a successful life (Proverbs 22:4).  God cares about what we say and do.  Let us pursue righteousness today.  Let love be our highest goal and may love be heard and felt in our conversations, attitudes, and actions.

        Lord Jesus, please use us to help people understand the need to repent of sin and to live a clean life with a mind controlled by the Holy Spirit.  Amen.


Kari with her mom, dad, cousin, and sister in Saskatoon, SK.


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