1 Corinthians 14:4-5 (NET)
The one who speaks in a tongue builds himself up, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.
I wish you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be strengthened.
Ever since Amaka started understanding how that God's kingdom is real and not just a concept or metaphor, and is a kingdom that would literally take over the kingdoms of this world when the Lord returns (see Rev 11:15, Dan 7:14, 27, Ps 86:9), she started seeking [to understand] the kingdom of God more. One of the first things she discovered as she began to study the kingdom of God was that in the kingdom, even though we all have an equal heritage as sons of God, some would be called greater in the kingdom because of their service, faithfulness, and rewards. She started observing that we are not all at the same level in the kingdom of God. Some people are greater than others, and this is because of their fruitful work for God among people.
From today's Bible verses, we see a principle of kingdom greatness play out. Those who serve others with their gifts are greater than those who don't. Speaking to God in an unknown tongue is good for self-edification (see 1 Cor 14:4), but using the gift of prophecy or tongues with interpretation to edify God's people is better. But please note that speaking to people with tongues is different from praying [to God] in an unknown tongue (see 1 Cor 14:2), in which case there wouldn't be a need for the tongue to be interpreted since you’re talking to God who understands all things.
In the kingdom of this world, it is considered better to get than to give, but in the kingdom of God, it is better and more blessed to give than to receive(see Acts 20:35). It is better to edify people than to edify only yourself. But remember that you would be more effective in edifying people if you have first built up yourself in the secret place.
Go into today remembering that heights of greatness in God’s kingdom is reached by a heart more disposed to give than to get.
Prayer: Father, please help me to be great in your kingdom and do exploits for you. Amen.
—Abraham Damilola Arigi
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