Unwritten Rules

Churches often have unwritten rules in regards attire. Very rarely do we see printed or posted clothing guidelines, or hear of them spoken publically. Some churches really do want you to come as you are — tube top and cut-offs and all. Some say they do and when you show up that way give you the cold shoulder or worse make comments about how you look. We have unwritten rules in society as well. There is no law that says we must leave a tip for a waiter or waitress. Occasionally you'll see a sign posted or now a days you'll see a print out on the bill stating how much 15, 20 or 25% of your bill is. You really don't have to tip. Even if you like the service and the food, you don't have to tip. But if you don't tip there likely will be certain consequences. The point I'm getting at is this: we have prohibitions or rules or admonitions that are often unstated. Families, society and churches all have them. Now the Scriptures say very plainly, "... do not forbid speaking in tongues." (1 Corinthians 13:49). I'll bet most churches don't have a rule against it published any where. But what about the unwritten rules? Is the church climate such that everybody gets the feeling that "We don't do that here and you ought not to."? Sure there are some who take the following verse to heart, "But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way." I'm not advocating for chaos in worship but I am addressing the attitudes of fear and judgementalism that attempt to keep speaking in tongues out of our midst. Should not our attitude be one of expectation and welcome? And what about St. Paul saying, "I wish you all spoke in tongues." (I Corinthians 14:5)? I wonder if that includes you.