Speaking Clearly

“A college senior took his new girlfriend to a football game. The young couple found their seats in the crowded stadium and were watching the action. A substitute running back was put into the game, and as he was running onto the field to take his position, the boy said to his girlfriend, “Take a good look at this guy. I expect him to be our best man next year.” His girlfriend snuggled closer and said to the surprised young man, “That’s the strangest way I ever heard of for a guy to propose to a girl. But never mind—I accept!” (from Cybersalt Digest newsletter).*

Misunderstandings happen, don’t they? Often they are the product of unclear speech. This was part of the problem in the church at Corinth in the first century. At that time, the group was arguing among themselves over spiritual gifts. Speaking in tongues was one of the gifts prized by some in the church. But that was problematic for the apostle. Speaking in tongues was, by nature, narrowly focused and mysterious rather than broadly edifying (14:2-4). Another problem was that, without an interpreter, speaking in tongues was unclear speech to most. Notice how Paul addressed the clarity issue. “But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what will I profit you unless I speak to you either by way of revelation or of knowledge or of prophecy or of teaching? Yet even lifeless things, either flute or harp, in producing a sound, if they do not produce a distinction in the tones, how will it be known what is played on the flute or on the harp? For if the bugle produces an indistinct sound, who will prepare himself for battle? So also you, unless you utter by the tongue speech that is clear, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air” (1 Corinthians 14:6–9).

The gospel is vital and, like Paul, we should always endeavor to “...make it clear in the way I ought to speak” (Colossians 4:4).

God loves you!

Mike

*preaching.com