A Time to Speak and a Time to be Silent

A time to speak and a time to be silent (1 Corinthians 14:26-40)

There are some passages of Scripture on which I have much to say.  This is not one of them.  I’d prefer not to be the one writing this week’s email reflection.  But I was assigned this week and trust that it was by God’s providence. 

Paul’s words to the 1st century church in Corinth had to be hard for them to hear.  Paul instructs both men and women to be silent at times in order to honor God and demonstrate unified submission in their corporate worship gatherings.  This is still a difficult instruction to hear and apply to ourselves today.

But the same Spirit gives His word to all Christians.  Sometimes we are called to step out of the way and be silent to allow for someone else to share the Word of God.  At other times, someone else is called to step out of the way and be silent in order for us to share the Word of God. 

Jesus is the same, yesterday and today and forever!  As the Head of the body, Jesus personified sacrificial LOVE and prayed that His church would be one as He and the Father are one.  As Christians, we must find our way in Him and for His glory!  So I will speak His word at times when I don’t prefer to and I will be silent at other times when I prefer to speak.  Either action should be done in reverence and worship to Christ Jesus. 

Church – please pray for me in this and I will continue to pray for you in the same way.  May the world know that we are God’s children by the LOVE we have for one another and for our world!  And may we all bring glory to God as we offer ourselves as loving sacrifices for our Rescuer and King Jesus!

Grateful and hopeful in Christ,

Jon