Paul had been addressing the importance of clear communication by using the illustration of war musicians using a drum or trumpet to sound signals in the din of battle. He then applies this illustration to us in the church: “So likewise you, except you utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for you shall speak into the air” (1 Corinthians 14:9).

Unless you spend a lot of time talking to yourself (and many do), you usually have someone you’re speaking to. You are directing your message to someone in particular. Grunts and groans may get people’s attention, but they really don’t clearly communicate what we’re thinking.

One of the common problems in marriage is a breakdown in communication. That’s when we keep talking but don’t listen. Our minds are always racing ahead to what we’re going to say in response. We fail to hear what our partner is trying to say because we’re competing to be heard ourselves. Listening to the others’ views can help us see new perspectives. Unless we’re control-freaks and don’t want to learn.

Therefore, the scripture is telling us that we should be clear in our communication with one another in the church. Speaking in tongues is communication directed toward God. When our communication is directed toward people, we should pray for the interpretation and speak it clearly in English, so the church can be built up, encouraged, and comforted (v. 3).

Life is too brief to be wasted with mere small talk. Let’s let our communication count.

Tags: prophecy, tongues