Imagine, if you will, a great musician. This musician is skilled with a great many instruments, he writes all his own songs, and his voice is the icing on this particular cake. One might call him a "gifted" musician. How does he use these gifts? If you look at the world today, you will see many such musicians, but very few of them will use their talents for God. You will have the occasional Skillet, a band so great they actually bring unbelievers to saving faith in Christ. There are fantastic bands like Sabaton, who don't necessarily glorify God, but rather, they turn history itself into an anthem. Then there's Slipknot, an... "edgy" band, who, we'll just say, don't really glorify God.
Three similar bands, with similar gifts, yet all of them use these gifts quite differently. Some use them well, some use them less than ideally, and some use them poorly. But just as we tend to misuse "regular" gifts God might give us just by virtue of being human, we, as totally depraved sinners, are prone to misusing His holiest gifts, as well.
No one exemplified this more than the Corinthian church, a group of highly spiritual, yet extremely volatile believers who required two divinely inspired epistles to set straight. In one of those epistles, which we call "1 Corinthians" (though it references a previous letter, meaning it is at the very least Paul's second written correspondence), Paul spends two entire chapters dealing with the abuse of spiritual gifts. Beginning in chapter 12, Paul sets the context, saying:
"Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills." (1 Corinthians 12:1-11).
From this opening statement, we see the importance of understanding, but also correctly using, spiritual gifts. This is a topic of which Paul does not want us to be ignorant, even citing the folly of the Corinthians, who were previously Gentiles, and carried away to dumb idols. But within the Church, there are diversities of gifts, all given by the same Spirit, who distributes to each one individually as He wills.
With this context, we can immediately see a radical disconnect between many in the modern Church, and the Scriptures which were quite intentionally written to correct them. Objectively, desiring spiritual gifts is a good thing (1 Corinthians 12:31, 14:1). However, Paul, speaking by the Spirit (i.e. he has the gift of Apostleship), attaches a number of important caveats. First, while we may desire them, we do not have to actually have them. They are secondary, and there is "a more excellent way". Second, if God should see fit to give us these gifts, we are to use them correctly. They aren't toys, they aren't status symbols, they are tools of worship to be handled with great care. Most importantly, they are entirely at God's discretion. We may not rob God by trying to claim them ourselves.
But across the world today, there are many Christians, both real and imposturous, who handle this topic with great recklessness. The gifts of the spirit are genuinely seen as status symbols, showing one to be more spiritual. The desire becomes an obsession, and those who do not receive such gifts are viewed as lesser Christians - if, indeed, they may be considered saved. This may be "corrected" by seeking the gifts.
I find tongues, in particular, are the most mishandled gift of the spirit in the modern Church, not only by Continuationists, but also Cessationists. Both sides tend to emphasise tongues. Cessationists argue that Scripture suggests tongues are a temporary sign, which "will" cease (1 Corinthians 13:8), an event they believe has already happened with both the closing of the Biblical canon, and the destruction of the second temple. Continuationists, by contrast, will point out that Paul does indeed dedicate a lot of time to explaining how spiritual gifts are to be used.
The problem for the latter is that if tongues are indeed a continued action of God, there don't seem to be many churches that treat it properly. Paul continues: "Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way." (1 Corinthians 12:27-31).
As he did in the beginning of chapter 12, Paul continues throughout the chapter, explaining that God has distributed diverse gifts for diverse ministries. We are all different parts of one body. We are not all the eyes, there must be a nose. We are not all hands, there must be a foot. Dare I add to this and say we are not all... tongues? Well, here, Paul actually lists "varieties of tongues" as the absolute last of the spiritual gifts! But more than this, he speaks also of a second, complementary gifts: Interpretation.
See, one particular folly of the Corinthian church was the pure chaos of their gatherings. They had the gifts, undeniably so, yet they would use them willy nilly. There was no structure. There was no order. With incredulity, Paul asks "How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation...." (1 Corinthians 14:26). Prior to this, almost as if anticipating the absurd misuse of tongues in the future (though likely just from observing the Corinthians in his present), Paul spends an entire chapter explaining the proper use thereof.
At the beginning of chapter 14, Paul says "Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification." (v1-5).
This is keeping with Paul's theme of desiring the spiritual gifts - he desires them for us! "I wish you all spoke with tongues", he says. But what does this imply? Does one wish for what has already come to pass? The Corinthians did not all speak in tongues. There doesn't seem to be much evidence of tongues far beyond them, either. It's the only epistle that mentions the gift! He doesn't rebuke the Thessalonians for not doing it often enough. The Galatians don't get a lengthy correction for doing it wrong. The Ephesians don't seem to need a word on the issue. It's only the Corinthians, this chaotic church, whose gatherings seem to be characterised by the mass display of utter gobbledegook! But what does Paul say? "If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God." (v14:27-28), and "For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints." (v14:33).
God doesn't like when there's chaos in His congregations. He doesn't want a bunch of people standing up and babbling unintelligibly, as if throwing a box of crockery down a hill. Rather, as Paul tells us, "I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue." (v14:18-19).
So Paul says listen, the gift of tongues is a good thing. If God sees fit to give it to you, fantastic! But maybe there's a reason He doesn't seem to do so very often these days. God, put simply, seeks our edification before all else. Thus, 5 intelligible words may be greater than 10,000 words in a tongue. And the good news, my brethren? We all have access to intelligible words.
See, as Paul says, it would be great if we could all speak in tongues, but far greater than this is prophecy. What is prophecy? Well, even this is abused in the modern church. Far too often, we see Christians running around "God's told me this thing is going to happen!" Well what happens? Everything but what this "prophet" said was going to happen. But we'll still see him behind the pulpit next Sunday... These people have no shame! No discernment what so ever. It's a tragedy.
But prophecy isn't all about knowing the future. It's about four simple words: "Thus saith the Lord." "Thus saith the Lord, In the beginning, God created the heavens and the Earth." I can say that with complete confidence. Why? Because His word already says it. Moses wrote those words. Moses, a true prophet, verified with signs and wonders, and excellent foresight into the future. The Messiah Himself can be found within those beautiful pages. And my brethren, someone who carries the word of God is far greater than someone who babbles unintelligibly. Tongues, if indeed they have not ceased, are a very specific gift, which ought to be used in a very specific way. But let us ask this: If "...he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues...", then why are we so prone to emphasising tongues?
I think the answer is fairly obvious. Sin has tainted everything we touch, even the gifts of the Spirit. So regardless of where we stand on Cessationism, it's a lot easier to abuse tongues than it is to abuse prophesy. Tongues can be faked, and we are even actively encouraged to do so. Speak in tongues, it's simple! Watch! "Omana gom huah, macha ghabnatchi". What does that mean? I have no idea, I just made it up. But you can't prove I didn't just speak with the tongues of angels!
What I can prove is that tongues are not just speaking gibberish at will. See, there are examples of people speaking tongues in Scripture. Not Jesus, interestingly enough. He is the example we're supposed to follow, yet not once does the Bible note Him speaking in any tongue He wouldn't be expected to speak as a 1st century Israeli Jew. Nevertheless, there are examples of people speaking in tongues in the New Testament.
The primary example of this is in Acts 2, which describes the Day of Pentecost. Beginning in verse 1, we read "When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (v1-4).
Immediately we see the tongues, but most importantly, every word was intelligible, so much so that "...there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?”" (v5-12).
Well, what it meant was God had given His Apostles the supernatural ability to communicate with people of a different tongue. And this is why Paul tells us "So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air. There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance. Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me. Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel. Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say? For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified." (1 Corinthians 14:9-17).
From all of this, we see what speaking in tongues truly is. Understanding is key. If no one understands, that's not the gift of tongues, that's the gift of making random noises. Sort of like an infant, unable to say "Mommy", but quite capable of saying "weaaaahehehea!" And doesn't all of this make sense? What good is it for God to empower us to "speak" unintelligibly? Well congratulations, now you just look weird, to your fellow believers, and to the world.
But God cares about the world. Paul says "Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature. In the law it is written: “With men of other tongues and other lipsI will speak to this people; And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,” says the Lord. Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you." (1 Corinthians 14:20-25).
It's not about us! Tongues aren't for the Church, they're for the world. They're bait on the hook. They're the passport to show that we are citizens of a foreign Kingdom. The signet ring that says truly there is a God among us. But not one of your dumb idols. You can't even make your idols speak, but our God allows us to speak. Not in a drunken manner, so that the outside observer will see us as insane, but in a Spiritual manner, so that a Galilean may say to an Asian "repent and believe!"
And so here is my challenge to those who overemphasise tongues: Put your money where your mouths are. You say you have the gift of tongues? We are privileged. In the English language, there are some 400+ translations of the word of God. But there are so many people, even many who believe, who are as yet unable to read it in their own language. Wouldn't it be supremely helpful if, instead of dedicating years of great labor, God would do for us as He did for the Apostles on the day of Pentecost? Here's your chance, oh haughty ones; edify! Be a sign to the unbelievers. Edify the brethren. Bring the Bible to the world, not by hard work, but by the gift of the Spirit, if indeed you truly have it.
But let's be honest: Those who emphasise tongues rarely possess the gift of understanding the slang of the youth, much less the significant (2 Corinthians 14:10) languages of the world. According to Wycliff Global Alliance, there are more than 2,500 languages with no Scripture. If God is so interested in tongues (and we know He is interested in gathering the harvest), why is it that 2,000 years later, He seems more preoccupied with making your church look spiritual?
Now, I'm not a Cessationist. I'm also not really a Continuationist. But I do know this: If tongues have ceased, and if they shall ever cease, then they are not worthy of our attention to this degree. If they continue, there is a right way, and a wrong way, but to this day, I have yet to actually see anyone do them right. Thus, my conclusion is, as Paul says, "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing." (1 Corinthians 1:1-3). Therefore, seek the better profit. Seek to bring in the unbeliever and grow the family of God. Seek to prophesy, that you may edify the Church. Above all, seek love, for God is love. If you have tongues, praise God, but if you have not tongues, praise Him all the more, for in His infinite wisdom, He has seen fit to withhold it from you, and this does not make you inferior.