The Tongue
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If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. (James 3:2)
As members of the Body of Christ, how well do we know this scripture? Of course it is a scripture that is easily applied to such evil speaking as gossip, cursing, ungodly criticism and other hurtful words that we say. But have you ever thought of applying this scripture to the act of speaking in tongues? Bear with me; I know this may seem a stretch.
We were given some very direct orders concerning speaking in tongues in the Church from our brother, Paul, the Apostle. He didn't want us to be ignorant about spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:1), and he encouraged us to seek after spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 14:1). But, we really do need to use spiritual gifts wisely as Paul prescribed in God's holy word.
Probably one of the most conspicuous abuses that I see in churches is the use of tongues outside the direction that we were given concerning this spiritual gift. I think that Paul was seeing this abuse in his day and that is what prompted him to write the Corinthians and offer them wisdom unto edification.
How often do I see (hear) people in church gatherings who are doing nothing but speaking in tongues? Sometimes I almost wonder if people think this is a sign to prove how holy or how close to God they are. I know God's Spirit can be "intoxicating," however, "the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets." (1 Corinthians 14:32)
When I was initially seeking the Lord, I can remember the first time that I was in a church and I heard people speaking in tongues. Was I impressed? I wasn't any more impressed then, than I am today; I thought they were a bunch of goof balls. That's exactly what Paul said unbelievers would think. "If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?" (1 Corinthians 14:23) "Brethren, be not children in understanding ... but in understanding be men." (1 Corinthians 14:20) I think Paul was saying very nicely, "Grow up."
So, here are our simple and easy-to-understand instructions: "If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God." (1 Corinthians 14:27, 28) I sometimes wonder if people have never read this scripture, or if they just decide that they know better. When I am gathered with other church members in prayer and worship, I don't think you will hear me speaking in tongues. I really do try to keep it between God and me. It's not that I'm not speaking in tongues, but I take very seriously the instructions Paul gave us. We are seeking to do all things for edification when we come together, everyone's edification (1 Corinthians 14:26), not just our own little personal "get-high-on-Jesus time."
Our next instructions, if we do speak in an unknown tongue, is to pray that we may interpret (1 Corinthians 14:13). I need to be praying that. If you speak in tongues, you need to be praying that. We need to be praying for the power of God in our gatherings. We are actually encouraged to covet the best spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:31). But, most of all we need to keep in mind that everything should be done for the edification of all -- the believer and the nonbeliever. "Let all things be done unto edifying." (1 Corinthians 14:26)
Make sure that you check out all the spiritual gifts that are available to the Church by reading all of chapters 12 and 14 in 1 Corinthians. Also remember that everything that we do should be done in the love of God, as Paul shows us in 1 Corinthians 13.
I pray that the Body of Christ will be filled with the power of God to the glory of God the Father in Christ Jesus, for the edification of believers, and for the salvation of those who don't yet know the truth.
Grant unto thy servants that with all boldness they may speak thy word, by stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. (Acts 4:29, 30)
For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. (1 Corinthians 4:20)
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