STATIC AND DROPPED CALLS

Are you old enough to remember static on the radio or TV? Before electronic tuning, cable and satellite broadcasts we used to have to tune into a station’s frequency. The noise between stations together with the ‘snow’ on TV could best be described as chaos.

I wonder how some folks might describe some of our churches today. Are there times that we are guilty of just being like the static between stations? Is the message lost amidst the noise?

The Corinthian church had a static problem. Those who considered themselves prophets would all want to deliver their message from God simultaneously. Meanwhile there were those who wanted to deliver a message in tongues that would speak out regardless of whether anyone would interpret their Spirit inspired speech. It was a fight to be heard over the crowd when the church gathered together.

Paul didn’t reach over and turn ‘the radio’ off; instead he gave the church instructions how to fine tune the frequency so the message could be heard. Don’t let everyone prophesy at once but take turns and others judge what is said. Don’t just speak in tongues but pray to interpret or if no interpreter is present just remain silent. The ultimate goal was to edify or build up those who were part of the church through the gifts of the Spirit.

• [39] Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. [40] But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
  1 Corinthians 14:39-40 (NIV)

I’m unashamed to be a Pentecostal believer. I am thankful that we still serve a God who will supernaturally speak to His church through the gifts of the Spirit. Some churches (even in the Assemblies of God) have gone to the other extreme and turned the gifts off. In our modern world of communication its as though the satellite signal is blocked or a cell phone drops its call. All that is heard is the sound of silence.

I want to stay tuned into God. I’m not afraid of the static as God has shown us how to adjust our spiritual antenna to hear the voice of His Spirit. I’m more concerned that we don’t just block His signal and turn the Spirit off. God is not silent. He wants to speak through you and me. Be eager to prophesy. Get tuned into God. What do you think?