1 CORINTHIANS 14:1-25

This passage has much meat on it. Dealing the complexity of desire and application, Paul doesn’t mince words or break into a theological treatise to qualify the gift of Tongues. Many could read into this passage an acceptance of the idea that Tongues is unique prayer language, but a simple reading of the text would say otherwise. Tongues is, like any other gift of the spirit, a wholly dependent gift. Though manifestly miraculous, it is not evidence of God’s presence unless it comes with Interpretation. The implication is that Tongues is a known language in the world that is unknown to the user of the gift. In this context, Tongues is less useful because it can’t be immediately used without Interpretation. Therefore it is not as desirable as a gift like Prophecy. Prophecy can be corroborated immediately by scripture, precedence and fact. Christian’s often seek to manufacture importance by elevating nuanced abilities while taking for granted mundane blessings. But these useful but less “sparkly” gifts are more demonstrative of the character of a God who did not come on the clouds with trumpets. That part is still to come. First the groundwork for relationship had to be laid with basic relational blessings. When we desire to give that, showy gifts like Tongues are not nearly as important as Leadership, Giving, Mercy or Prophecy. Endeavor to be useful