6Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction?7Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? 8Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? 9So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. 10Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. 11If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker is a foreigner to me. 12So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church. (1 Corinthians 14:6-12)
Thoughts: Paul is saying that worship needs to be edifying. Music is meant to be edifying, but if the notes are distinguishable, then it is noise. Music is meant to be understood and so is language. If a trumpet calls and people cannot understand it, they do not know whether to charge or retreat. Languages are meant to be intelligible as is speaking in worship. The gifts we should pursue are not the gifts that wow us as much as the ones that build up the church.
Prayer: Lord, use me to build up your church and to honor you.
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