Yet, as we experience the indwelling power of the Spirit, we are to be sure that our exercise of any gifts happens in a way that truly serves people and builds up the church. God wants to use and empower us in ways we have not yet imagined. If we allow the Word of God to speak plainly to us, then we are challenged to be open to everything that the Spirit of God wishes to do in us and through us. So, it's terribly ironic that the verse so beloved by Presbyterians is, in context, actually calling for the exercise of spiritual gifts, including those that we do not especially love. Most Presbyterians acknowledge the possibility of tongues and prophecy today, but we're rather glad that these gifts seem to be reserved for other denominations or people in far away places. Some Presbyterians even believe that those gifts are not to be exercised in today's church. Now we Presbyterians love decency and order, but we can be quite a bit squeamish about spiritual gifts, in particular gifts like prophecy and tongues. Did you catch that? The "everything" of verse 40 refers quite specifically to the gifts of the Spirit, especially prophesy and speaking in tongues. But be sure that everything is done properly and in order" (14:39-4). In context, here's what 14:40 actually says, "So, my dear brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and don't forbid speaking in tongues. This irony can be seen in the fact that among the five hundreds times I have heard this verse quoted by Presbyterians, I've almost never heard anyone include the prior verse. Rather, they should reflect a God who gives order to the world and expects us to do similarly.īut there is a great irony in the Presbyterian love for 1 Corinthians 14:40 and its demand for decency and order. Christian gatherings, though inviting participation by all members, should not be a madhouse of embarrassing chaos. Now it's true that Christians who follow biblical teaching should, in fact, do everything "decently and in order." That's what 1 Corinthians 14:40 tells us to do. It's in our genes, our churches, our worship services, our committee processes, and just about everything we do as a church. This verse is beloved by Presbyterians, though usually in its King James Version form: "Let all things be done decently and in order." Presbyterians tend to crave decency and order. Learning From the Psalms How to Pray Through Your Workīut be sure that everything is done properly and in order.Īs a Presbyterian, I have heard someone quote 1 Corinthians 14:40 perhaps five hundred times.Beyond Rank and Power: What Philemon Tells Us About Leadership.Evangelism - Sharing the Gospel at Work.10 Key Points About Work in the Bible Every Christian Should Know.
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