I Corinthians 14:12 “So also you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the edification of the church.”

IMPORTANT THINGS

This chapter in I Corinthians is a much debated topic – speaking in tongues.  I am NOT going to get into that debate here.  Instead I want to look at the verse above.  You see, Paul says very plainly that the purpose of any gift which the Lord has given us is to build up the church, not ourselves.

I have experienced churches where speaking in tongues is emphasized.  But I have never seen this verse emphasized in those same churches.  Things that divide or things that seem to put some above others do not build up.  That’s the bottom line.  We must be about edifying and encouraging our brothers and sisters.  We should not do anything that is going to belittle or shame them.

TEACHING MOMENT

So, how do you teach this to our kids?  Okay, I sound like a broken record – you have to model it.  Our children need to see us building others up.  They are watching us, right?  They should know that we are all about helping others grow.

Now that also refers to how we talk about others in their presence.  Have you ever talked negatively about a fellow believer in front of your kids?  They are listening to that. They are storing that away and will use it to model how they talk about people.

May I encourage you today to focus on what you can do to encourage a brother or sister in Christ?  Will you come alongside your Pastor to build up the church?  Allow the Spirit of God to direct you in the words you use as you talk about others.

I know the Father has given all the gifts for our good.  And with each gift, He expects us to use it to glorify Him.  If you can figure out a way to use your gift, no matter what it is, to build yourself up and glorify Him, go for it.  I don’t see how that’s possible, though.

Allow the Lord to show you how to use your gift for His glory.