The Gift of Tongues
Here are some points to be made about the gift of tongues.
• Not every believer receives this gift. The gift of tongues is not a requirement or a necessary sign of salvation. See 1 Corinthians 12:30.
• Tongues can be human languages such as those heard in Acts 2, but often may be languages no one understands. See 1 Corinthians 14:2.
• Tongues are not “ecstatic speech” but are always orderly and are able to be controlled by the one speaking. See 1 Corinthians 14:27-28, 33, 39-40
• No tongues should be spoken in the church gathering without interpretation. See 1 Corinthians 14:27-28.
• Tongues should not be forbidden. See 1 Corinthians 14:39.
The Holy Spirit gives some believers the spiritual gift of tongues to glorify God and, with the help of an interpreter, to edify the church. This gift is dealt with extensively in the Scriptures and its use should not be discouraged. That said, it should be used properly with pure motives and intentions, of course in the power and prompting of the Holy Spirit. See also 1 Corinthians 12:10, 30, 14:4, 39, Acts 2:4, Acts 19:6.
If there is a gift that we as mainline Christians are uncomfortable with, it is this one. Much of this discomfort comes from the lack of knowledge and experience with speaking in tongues. The only reference we may have to it is seen on television and in movies, and they seem to be counter to some of the points above especially it not being “ecstatic speech.” We may lump it in with being “slain in the Spirit” and laying on of hands. We may not ever encounter this spiritual gift, but as it says above, we would do well not to discourage it.
For those of us who do not have the spiritual gift of tongues, we are still called to exercise this gift with the possibility of being prepared. So here are four ideas to give us an inkling of what this spiritual gift might be all about:
1. Do the Work
Hit the internet to find all you can about speaking in tongues. You might want to read articles and testimonies about those who speak in tongues. You may also want to search YouTube for videos of it being done. Pay special attention to whether there is an interpreter present. Record your feelings about this spiritual gift.
2. Witness it Yourself
If you know of a church in your community who is known for speaking in tongues, you could attend a worship service there. This will give you a first-hand experience with it and allow you to see for yourself an instance of it being done. Reflect on the event and pray about it afterwards asking God for discernment.
3. Learn a Language
As with the Church at Pentecost, the crowd heard the word of God in their own language. Commit to learning a new language, and perhaps even become an interpreter for those having trouble with our language or with how they go about filling out forms, dealing with government and health issues, and more.
4. Celebrate Big!
Wherever we are in the Church Year now, it is never too early to plan for the Pentecost worship service. Try to plan some things that will be meaningful and multi-sensory for your congregation. If you have those who speak other languages in your church or community, ask them to read different sections of the Pentecost story. Add wind sounds to the reading giving members a realistic idea of what the Church was experiencing. Check out the Pentecost worship liturgy page on cpc.app-staging.com where there is a link to a Pinterest board for ideas of ways to decorate.