AUGUST 13: Attracting God’s Presence through unity in Worship Service

Anyone who is very familiar with the book of Corinthians knows that the Church of Corinth was a problematic church. It was a church that constantly had issues in worship services. In chapter 14, which is our devotional chapter, Paul gives instructions to the Corinthians both, so that the whole church may be edified by the worship and so that unbelievers may find Christian worship intelligible.

In today’s text, Paul addresses the confusion in the church that resulted in everybody doing their own thing, their own way. The problem was about the use of spiritual gifts during service. Paul used the phrase, “Every one of you” in verse 26, to express his displeasure on the attitude of some believers during worship.

Instead of waiting for an instruction from the presiding minister or officer during worship service, everyone did whatever he or she felt led to do at the same time. One person would pick up a Psalm to sing, another would come up with a doctrine, another would come up with a prophecy, another speaking in tongues, another interpretation of tongues, and so on, everything happening at the same time in the same service.

At the bottom of the confusion and chaos during service lay the spirit of pride and superiority complex. Everyone carrying out his or her service simultaneously instead of working in unison and in succession was done under the guise of being influenced by the Holy Spirit and having an important message to communicate. However, in verse 40, Paul recommends to the church how services should be carried out, thus, “Let all things be done decently and in order.” Unity brings orderliness and peace in the church, and attracts the presence and blessings of the God of the church.

PRAYER: Oh LORD, may the church be blessed with understanding and humility in Jesus name, Amen.