To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues  (1 Corinthians 12:10).

I’m about to annoy some of you.

Won’t be the first time…or the last.

You see, some of you are convinced that when Paul says “tongues,” he’s referring to spoken human languages–like what happened in Acts 2. Others look at what Paul is going to talk about just two chapters from now, in 1 Corinthians 14. You read that and decide that Paul is speaking of a “prayer language,” a language spoken only by you and God.

Here’s the thing: it doesn’t matter.

I mean, it’s an interesting conversation, and one we’ll have when we get to Ch. 14, but it’s not really pertinent here. Paul’s point here seems to be that God gives to some people the gift of speaking in a language that they have not learned, and to others He gives the gift of interpreting such languages so that the Body can be edified.

So that the Body can be edified.

Beloved, if you have a present sitting wrapped on the table, by all means open it and use it. But a spiritual gift is  kind of like getting a defibrillator for your birthday. It’s your gift, sure, but it’s not really for you. In fact, trying to use it for yourself would be…awkward.

Happy Thursday, Beloved