Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day.

Our shout-out today goes to Carlos Andino from Allentown, PA. Thanks for your partnership in Project23. We cannot do this without donors like you.

Our text today is 1 Corinthians 14:6-12.

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 Corinthians 14:6-12

Shouts of sincerity do not equal suitability.

Paul piles on illustrations. A flute without clear notes. A harp without distinction. A trumpet without a clear call.

Sound can be present, while meaning is absent. And where meaning is absent, growth is impossible.

Again, Paul is not anti-spiritual gifts. But he is anti-confusion.

Paul's reflective question is relentless: "How will my spiritual gift benefit you?"

That is the standard. If speech is unintelligible, it could "feel" intense to one, but it does not edify the whole. If language is unclear, it may "sound" spiritual, but it does not strengthen anyone.

The goal of gathered worship is not to display spiritual ability. It is to build up the body. Notice verse 12:

"Strive to excel in building up the church." — 1 Corinthians 14:12

Not strive in expression. Not strive in volume. Not strive in uniqueness. But strive in building up everyone in the church.

Intensity without clarity is just noise. So don't be noisy in the body, be edifying to it. Use whatever gift you have not for yourself, but for building someone up today.

DO THIS:

Before you speak in any church setting this week—class, group, prayer—ask: Will this be clear? Will this strengthen someone else?

ASK THIS:

1. Do I care more about sounding spiritual than being understandable?
2. Is my speech shaped by love—or by the desire to be noticed?
3. Would someone unfamiliar with church language understand what I'm saying?

PRAY THIS:

Lord, guard my words from becoming noise. Make my speech clear, humble, and useful so that others are strengthened in Christ. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"Goodness Of God"