Let all things be done for upbuilding
Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
Because I have hoped in your word. Psalm 119:74
Read 1 Corinthians 14:26—33
Whatever we do or do not do at my local church, whether we make space for tongues or for prophecy or for gifts that were operating, sometimes inappropriately, in the church at Corinth, there is a fundamental attitude and a fundamental principle I can contribute into the life of my church. Whatever we do together, and however our behaviour toward each other is regulated by the customs of our gathering, it is all intended for building up. This is what I must pray for and look for and contribute to in my own way. The Lord wants to build up the whole body because it is his. There is no way he wants us to be fruitless. I’m not helpless in this. I’m not surplus to requirements. I’m not without influence. I’m not without a tongue and a willing hand and a presence, an ability to take up space alongside others and let them know I’m in Christ with them and for them. I’m not without prayer.
Prayer
Thank you, Father, that in my faith in Christ I am given to others and they are given to me. Thank you that I am bigger in Christ, fuller in Christ, that I know Christ more and better because others exhibit his reality to me. I see that you have gifted me by your Spirit in ways of giving, ways of relating and ways of speaking into the lives of others. I pray that my life will be a life of positive up-building, faithful and daring, a benefit to others toward their growth in the Lord.