The Corinthians wanted and eagerly desired spiritual gifts (v. 13). They didn’t have a lot of love though which is likely why Paul had to spend so much time on this. Love is the most excellent way, and we should pursue spiritual gifts that are about loving others.
“Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle? So with yourselves, if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? For you will be speaking into the air. There are doubtless many different languages in the world, and none is without meaning, but if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church” (1 Cor 14:-6-12).
Paul is making a case from the illustration of musical instruments, battle trumpets, and human language. For any of these to be effective, they need to be clear and understandable. The people in the church may have wanted tongue-speaking gifts above all other gifts, but this was actually a lower gift. It wasn’t lower in value, but lower in impact if it is used only for edifying oneself and not for the church as a whole. The greater gifts edify the church.
This gives us two things to consider.
1) Are we even eagerly desiring spiritual gifts?
Some faith groups are so zealous for spiritual gifts that Christ gets lost in it all. Then other groups are so scared of spiritual gifts that we do not follow the clear command to “eagerly desire them.”
We are indeed to eagerly desire spiritual gifts, but keeping love, which is the full expression of Christ, in its rightful center place.
2) Are we more concerned with gifts that edify ourselves, or using them for others?
There is the temptation to use our gifts mainly because they give us fulfillment. It can be a sneaky and subtle purpose, But our gifts are not for ourselves. Our gifts are for other people. And if we are not using our gifts, regardless of whether they bring fulfillment to us or not, we are cheating other people.
Your gifts are a joy, but a responsibility to serve others, not for your edification, but for the edification of us all.
3) Are we pivoting?
Sometimes we have gifts but because of the modern structure of the church — auditorium Christianity vs. living room Christianity, at times it can feel like we don’t have a place for our gifts. It’s just a reality.
But if you cannot serve in your intended context, are there other places and ways you can use your gifts? In small groups, online, or in individual conversations?
There are times we just have to pivot. But we must find a way to use our gifts in community context, not in isolation so we don’t lose accountability and correction, but in a way that still serves the body of Christ.
And if someone tries to shut them down or crowd you out, are. you finding other ways to use them for the greater good?
It’s not a time to get bitter or angry. We must be humble, teachable, open to correction, and spiritual growth, while at the same continuing to use what we have for the greater good.
What are we doing with our gifts?