1 Corinthians 14 Devotions by Stephen Taylor

1 Corinthians 14:38-40

But if anyone ignores this, they will themselves be ignored. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.

These verses are in reference to order in the church and the proper way it should go. But this morning, I couldn't help but wonder, are we limiting ourselves by what we're limiting or allowing in the church? Paul clearly says to be eager to prophesy and don't forbid speaking in tongues, but do we listen? Are we letting things that we don't understand or we are uncomfortable with direct our times of worship?

Through the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, Paul knew that this was a problem then, and it would be later on as well. We don't like things we can't explain or things that make us uncomfortable. We like routines, and anything out of the norm can throw us off. But what if we are hindering ourselves? What if by forbidding and structuring things to our liking, we are stifling the Spirit and not giving Him the room He deserves and requires to move?

The Pharisees were "uncomfortable" with Jesus and how He operated, and it resulted in their rejecting of Him and missing out on experiencing who He truly is. I'm not saying that we are rejecting Christ, but what I am asking is are we operating in the same way towards the Lord, in something we don't understand or that makes us uncomfortable? Are we missing out on a deeper, more intimate relationship because of fear or feelings? I don't have all the answers or really many at all, but I know that we are the created, and He is the Creator, and if He tells us something, then we better listen. Everything should be done in order, not ours but His!

1 Corinthians 14:26- What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.

1 Corinthians 14:12- So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.

God bless! I love you all, but His love is lasting! Glory, honor, and praise now and forever to Papa God, Jesus Christ our King, and the Holy Spirit!