Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
1 Corinthians 14:6-9 (NIV)
6 Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? 7 Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? 8 Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? 9 So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air.
At the beginning of an orchestra concert or symphony, all the musicians warm up by playing their instruments. Some play scales while others just play a few notes to get air moving through and get their minds ready. It serves a purpose, but that is not what the audience came to hear! Then the conductor comes out and together the musicians will play notes or scales to get in tune with one another. Finally, the program starts, and the audience finally gets to hear the beautiful music they were hoping for. Are the things you do at church coming from a place of love for the sake of others? Or do you just like to hear yourself “toot your own horn”? Pray that Jesus would be our conductor bringing our chaos and noise together to make the beautiful music of love for God and others.