Build Up

What then is the conclusion, brothers? Whenever you come together, each one has a psalm, a teaching, a revelation, another language, or an interpretation. All things must be done for edification. - 1 Corinthians 14:26

The church in Corinth was born out of an eclectic, pagan mixture of decidedly anti-biblical philosophy; therefore, we should not be surprised that this budding, developing young church struggled at times to find a righteous, orthodox path.

To aid them in their growth, Paul seemed to shy away from rote prescriptions (always a good idea), leaning more toward the application of broad guiding principles. The verse above is a great example of his approach. Rather than provide an "order of service" that might be copied by every church in Asia Minor, the apostle gave a simple list of acceptable ingredients and then wrapped them up in a single binding theme. A timeless theme that still applies today.

Whatever a church does, however it chooses to minister or serve, whatever the program or ministry, it must ultimately build up (edify) the Body of Christ (in quantity and quality) or it should not be done.  So sing, teach, dance, project, whatever but if it doesn't build up, it really should be banned.

Beware that you do not lose the substance by grasping at the shadow. - Aesop