Today's Backward Understanding

Scripture: It follows that speaking in other languages is intended as a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers. But prophecy is not for unbelievers but for believers. 1 Corinthians 14:22

Observation: As Paul discusses spiritual gifts, and explicitly the gifts of tongues compared to prophesy, he delineates the value of each gift in the context of how it aids other believers. He repeatedly makes the case that prophecy is intended to edify and assist the church, as others can receive and be encourages by it, whereas tongues is primarily about a spiritual discussion that others cannot understand and thus does not really aid others in the church. It is in this one verse where he relates both to unbelievers, indicating that tongues can be a sign to spiritual reality to non-believers, while prophecy is for the church and not really for unbelievers.

In this statement, Paul is making an assumption of a general understanding of spirituality. He is assuming that non-believers can see spiritual influences - like strange languages - and take that as a sign of the power of God, however they would not simply accept normal words and information as anything related to God the way a believer would accept and cling to such predictions. This is, quite likely, complete backwards from today's society ... where individuals are quick to dismiss strange language as fraudulent hoaxes, but may be willing to test a prediction for a short time to determine if it comes true.

Application: While there are many ways in which the ancient Greek and Roman worlds are exactly like ours today, in the area of acceptance of information there is a huge difference I believe. In the ancient world, they wished for logical discussion to prove spiritual points. Today, non-believers require science. Both of these are different forms of "intellect". However, it creates a way of engaging with non-believers that was backwards from what Paul experienced in the form of they types of proof that may be acceptable in a discussion about God.

This, of course, was why Paul discouraged providing such proof. He did not seek to prove the power of God, but rather he simply spoke of the love and redemption available from Jesus. Paul would not have spoken tongues to a non-believer to convince them of the Holy Spirit. He would have helped them, earned their trust, and told them about Jesus.

And it is this message that remains consistent and eternal.

Prayer: Lord, may I tell people about your love during this Christmas season. May I simply talk about Christ crucified, without logic, science, and distracting debate. Your love is sufficient in all things, and at all times. Amen.