Faith Based Communications, Clarity, Brevity and Sharpness. This is really necessary. And if you do not mind Smile.

Speaking in a way that is not likely to be understood or appreciated is like speaking to hear your self speak. Likewise, writing to edify one’s self is nice for oneself, but not necessarily nice for others. This is a statement that is good. I believe because I have faith, and the other way around. The best part about it, is that it is true.

First lighten up. Come on, if you do not enjoy it why should she? Here is a long bit of scripture that I have been meditating on. The biggest problem with writing on the subject is the enormity of concepts covered in just 13 verses, of the epistle. Then I relaxed and realized that what is spoken by Paul here is simple. Keep it Simple.* One manner of writing or speaking that is bound not to be understood or appreciated is, “long and complicated”. So while Paul is addressing the manner of speaking in tongues – which is attributed to being Spirit filled, he really gives those who profess their faith as witnesses a much more valuable lesson. “And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle?”. Clarity, brevity and sharpness are indispensible when putting forth the Word. Long winded orations delving in too deeply are intellectual and fine for scholars or ministers, but to argue for a faith to an outsider in such a fashion is to be an empty gong. Concepts such as a scientific truth and/or persuasion are fine and dandy, but more a mental gymnastics exercise than helpful.

This is a ESV version. I find it’s translation of these verses as good for me. But that is after I studied 7 others including some Latin stuff. 1 Corinthians 14:6-19 Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle? So with yourselves, if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? For you will be speaking into the air. There are doubtless many different languages in the world, and none is without meaning, but if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.

Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also. Otherwise, if you give thanks with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an outsider say “Amen” to your thanksgiving when he does not know what you are saying? For you may be giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not being built up. I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

*funny that Paul makes such a complicated case for such a simple concept, but writing was different then and communications often few and far between. Think about it Paul was writing to one or ten people who were literate, and making it so they could transliterate to gentile illiterates. Paul wrote great stuff. But take it easy on literal translations for a 21st century world were literacy is the norm and churches do not preach in "dead languages".

Listen more than speak. Love more than judge. Do more than speak. Be more than insist. See more than be seen. Be more than you can be. And most of all make others more than they can be.