Two Ears, One Mouth

1 Corinthians 14:20-40

When I first read the scripture passage for today’s devotion from I Corinthians, I must confess I was initially disturbed by some of what the Apostle Paul was saying in his epistle to the church at Corinth.  It challenged my 21st Century understanding of how God expects us to live as Christians.  I have always believed that Scripture is God’s divine word interpreted by and through the limitations of the human mind.  The multiple translations of these verses and the varied interpretations of the text illustrate this concept.   With this passage in particular, I recommend reading several different translations to get a broader understanding of the meaning of the words. The translation from “The Message” provided me with the clearest interpretation of what I believe Paul was saying.

As a young kid, one of the first things I was taught in school was to raise my hand if I wanted to speak in class. Unfortunately, I had a bad habit of blurting out in class whenever I had something I wanted to say.  My first grade teacher, Mrs. Mull, frequently chastised me for speaking when others were asking a question. She would always remind me that the only way we learn is to listen carefully to what others were saying and to speak only when we are called upon. This bit of wisdom from my first grade teacher has carried with me throughout my life and I have frequently thanked Mrs. Mull for teaching me this valuable life lesson. 

I believe the Apostle Paul’s message is much like the simple lesson I learned from my first grade teacher. When we worship God, listen carefully and respectfully to all those who speak.  Praise God through song and words with enthusiasm and clarity. And most importantly as Christians we are to share God’s love in all that we do and say.

Prayer: Father, help us to always listen and be mindful of Your word in our world today. Through our thoughts, deeds and actions bring us all closer to You. Amen.

Written by Stan Anthony