Something for Everyone in Worship

22Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is not for unbelievers but for believers. 23So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and inquirers or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? 24But if an unbeliever or an inquirer comes in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all, 25as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you!” (1 Corinthians 14:22-25)

Thoughts: In worship there are every level of people in their spiritual walk.  There is something for everyone.  Some are deeply mature.  But the mature will be hungry and challenging themselves to grow and learn.  Some are in the middle.  The danger here is to become complacent and satisfied with being lukewarm in the relationship with God.  Then there are new believers who need to hear so much.  Sometimes they recognize this and are hungry for God- other times they are unaware.  There is something for everyone.  In the early church unbelievers heard some speaking in tongues and were questioning and curious.  But Paul speaks again of the value of prophesying (or preaching forth), as being more useful for eternal things.  The tongues- or things that are entertaining in worship may be attractive- and have a place; but the most important thing in worship is the sharing of the convicting and God-present Word.
     Do not think you are too far along the path to "get" anything out of church.  Such feelings are proud and remove ourselves from God's presence and people.   If we look, we will find God working in church.  His promise is "where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them."  (Mt. 18:20).  The Word of God is deep enough for the smartest theologian and shallow enough for the youngest believer- if we will but humble ourselves enough to listen.  The minister may not have the best grammar, the best diction or research- but where the Spirit of God is at work, there is a reason to worship together. 

Prayer: Lord, let my heart be a listening, humble heart before you.