Tongues is a funny thing. There seems to be almost no middle line in the church, when it comes to it. It's forbidden or it's used extensively and improperly. It's shunned completely or obsessed over. Though, recently, I've heard more and more Christians talking about it. Tongues, the interpretation of tongues. What is it? Why haven't they seen it? It got me thinking about the Gifts as a whole. But before we get to tongues, I figured we should talk about a couple more easily accepted gifts.
Let's look at teaching and preaching. Everyone agrees that being called to being a pastor is still a gift given. Even those who deny tongues as being one. Yet what does one do who has the gift? He goes to seminary, he gets ordained. He goes through years of training. Often serving as an assistant pastor, before getting called to a more senior leadership position. If they have the gift of preaching or teaching, is this necessary? Many churches say yes. While others say it's simply a good thing. Some churches will ordain people who haven't if they feel the person warrants it. But even these churches will agree that Bible college isn't a bad thing.
Now healing. The Bible talks about laying hands and prayer. And this is definitely part of the gift of healing. But what about those inclined to more traditional methods. Are doctors and nurses gifted in healing? If we find it acceptable to say someone who went through seminary is still gifted in teaching and preaching, isn't someone who went to med school still gifted in healing? Why wouldn't it be?
So let's take a look at tongues. Does the gift of tongues have to be a spiritual event like you see on TV? Or as was Pentecost? Or is simply knowing another tongue part of gifting? Would someone who is a linguist or skilled in learning language, be much the same as a doctor who went through medical school or a pastor who did seminary? First, what was the role of tongues? Or what is? It's interesting to see how often it's used in reference. Normally not as the spiritual gifting, but when talking about outreach. Jesus talked about sending us to every tribe, tongue and nation. Later in the New Testament, we're told God will send Christ again, when people call from every tongue and nation. It's interesting that it's referenced how it is needed. In fact, at Pentecost, Jews from all corners of the world heard, and wondered why those speaking in tongues where proclaiming the Gospel in their language. Clearly the reason for tongues is to reach everyone. Even those who are foreign and don't understand us.
Now, I have heard speakers make very false claims on tongues. That it is a secret language between believers and God. That even Satan can't know what is said. But this, I believe, is completely false. Pentecost is the proof of that. This language is earthly. It has a purpose. And it's not something you can simply choose to reach God. Paul tells us in Corinthians, to be careful using tongues. As it can cause issues with others. It brings nothing to a church body if know one knows what you are saying. If people are meant to interpret the tongue, then there's nothing "secret" about the language. And the devil certainly can understand it.
That being said, I do think those who are skilled with languages, at the very least have the gift to outreach the way tongues was given. Just as it really doesn't matter if healing happens through a miraculous, laying on hands or a doctor, so it shouldn't matter if the Spirit falls on a person and he delivers a sermon in a foreign language. Or if that person studied for years. The outcome is the same. They should be thankful for their giftings. And God will bless them for using the Gift for Him.
Pastor Armann at Anchor Point said something so simple that I think rings so true. Any gift, talent, ability you have, that you use for God, is a Spiritual Gift. It may not be miraculously bestowed, as we often think of them as, but it serves the same purpose. And if used for God, those who learn languages to serve Him, with natural means, will receive a reward in Heaven for doing so.
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