Tongues

1Corinthians 14:1-5

Pursue love and strive for the spiritual gifts, and especially that you may prophesy. For those who speak in a tongue do not speak to other people but to God; for nobody understands them, since they are speaking mysteries in the Spirit. On the other hand, those who prophesy speak to other people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. Those who speak in a tongue build up themselves, but those who prophesy build up the church. Now I would like all of you to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. One who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.

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Oye como va mi ritmo
Bueno pa gosar mulata

"Oye Como Va" written and performed by Tito Puente (While Carlos Santana took this song to a whole new place, it was written and originally performed by Tito Puente.)

The gift of tongues, perhaps the most misunderstood gift God has given the church. Some think that tongues is a "sealing of the Holy Spirit" and "you are not saved with demonstrating the gift of tongues." Others think it's "no longer a true gift of the church." The most skeptical opinion is probably "Sure, all of God's gifts are active in the church, but since tongues can be counterfeited and manipulated by anyone who can shriek and babble how can we trust anyone who claims to have it?"

Paul gives us two indications, the first is that the tongue must be interpreted to be of use to the church. If there is no interpretation the tongue would fall on figuratively deaf ears. The second is that the gift of tongues, as well as all gifts, are to build the body of Christ. That's central to what Paul is trying to get across to the church in 1Corinthians 14.

Yes, pursue love and strive for the spiritual gifts, pursue all of the gifts--every single solitary one of them, but especially the gift of prophesy. Prophecy is a word directly to the church. Prophecy is directly for upbuilding, encouragement, and consolation. Prophecy builds the whole body of Christ. Tongues can build the church too, but when the speaker uses a tongue to manipulate; God is not glorified.

Paul ends saying, "One who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up." Paul teaches that it is better for the body to rise than just a single member. It is important for us each to "increase our walk in Christ." Each of us individually is to be obedient, to seek God, and to follow where the Lord leads. But even if every member rises in faith individually, it is better for the entire body to rise together.

God isn't looking for spiritual divas. Our God is a God of the rising tide that lifts the whole boat of the church. This is more important than everyone in their individual lifeboat, or worse, their individual yacht.

There were several reasons behind the choice of "Oye Como Va" for today's devotional. Particularly, among Anglos over the age of 45, this may be the only Spanish we know and we don't really know what it means. But we can sure sing along, even if we don't know the words.

A very loose translation (particularly with my lack of knowledge of Spanish, especially Spanish slang from 1963) could be "Check out my good enjoyable rhythm, my mixed-race friends!" A question about my interpretation of this tongue: Is Tito singing to a group of people who are mixed race Spanish-Native Mexican (the most common Mexican mulatto) or is he crying out to all peoples everywhere to come and dance?

I like to think he's calling people from all nations to come, enjoy the rhythm, let the music move you, and enjoy. Frankly, that would be a very good way of lifting the body of Christ, coming together and dancing to the music of Tito Puente. That might just be a good interpretation of this tongue.

Truly I tell you, far worse things have been done in the name of the Lord.