The Gift that Divides
Of all the Christian practices, speaking in tongues is second only to baptism in causing divisions in the body of Christ. And ironically, most of the instruction about this subject comes from Paul's first letter to the Corinthians where he was sternly correcting them for misuse of the Spiritual gifts. Let's take a look at what the Bible has to say about speaking in tongues.
History of Tongues
Until the episode at the tower of Babel (recorded in Genesis 11), everyone spoke in one language. But by creating that tower, man demonstrated his fallen nature --the desire was to make himself important; --elevating himself; --attempting to become like God. It was there that God took away his influential power by confusing the language which caused divisions between the people.
What Are Tongues?
The tongues described in the Bible are all known and used languages. Every tongue is a language that has meaning to a people somewhere in the world. None are merely a rambling of gibberish sounds that someone calls a tongue.
Can Every Christian Speak in Tongues?
Just as God chooses who He wants to be a teacher in the church, He also chooses who He wants to speak in tongues. He doesn't give everyone the same gift. There are many gifts for the many functions of the body of Christ.
What Is the Purpose of Spiritual Gifts?
Spiritual gifts have one, and only one, purpose. They are for the common good of the body of Christ --not for the benefit of the individual. That would only inflate the ego of the one who claimed to have the gift!
Can It Be Beneficial?
Speaking in tongues can be beneficial, but only if it is used as intended. The purpose of speaking in tongues is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus. But we Christians haven't picked up on the fact that God has already determined the specific audience He has targeted for tongues to reach with that gospel.
What About Praying in Tongues?
There is only one Scripture passage that talks about praying in tongues. For being such a supposedly important gift, it is described as being unfruitful! It has no fruit --no benefit. What more needs to be said? Yet it continues to be flaunted by so many Christians.
In Summary ...
With only a short time available in church, speaking in tongues isn't the best way to use that time. Rather speaking what the Bible says (prophesying) is much more beneficial to the body. Speaking in a foreign language shows off the speaker's gift because only God understands him.
Next: The History of Tongues