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There are lots of things I like about the Charismatic movement. It is young, vibrant and joyous. Many Pentecostal churches have a truly deep relationship with the Lord. But some have become a little...extreme in their views. Some now teach tongues as evidence of salvation, that if you have not spoken in tongues you are not saved. Some also have very unbiblical services, which bring dishonour to the Body of Christ.
Tongue-speaking is a gift from God to some believers, and I truly believe it is present today. However, it is not a gift made to all believers.
"There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but they all come from the same Spirit. There are different ways to serve the same Lord, and we can each do different things...The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others...Some of us are prophets, and some of us recognise when God's Spirit is present. Others can speak different kinds of languages, and still others can tell what these languages mean. But it is the Spirit who does all this and decides which gifts to give to each of us." (1 Corinthians 12:4-7, 10b-11 CEV)
In this passage Paul identifies nine gifts of the Spirit: wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracle-working, prophecy, identifying the Spirit, tongues and interpretation. What Paul does not say is that everyone receives the gift of tongues - in fact he says that only some receive it. "Not everyone can heal the sick. Not everyone can speak different kinds of languages. Not everyone can tell what these languages mean." (1 Corinthians 12:30) So we can see that it is not a symbol of salvation that you speak in tongues, it is not a requirement or criterea.
Paul also warns about the use of tongues in church. He tells us that it is better to speak in our own languages so that others can understand rather than in unknown ones which help no one but ourselves.
"I am glad for you to speak unknown languages, although I had rather for you to prophecy. In fact, prophesying does much more good than speaking unknown languages, unless someone can help the church by explaining what you mean." (1 Corinthians 14:5)
Paul tells us not to start thinking that speaking in tongues is the most important thing, in fact he says prophecy is better. Later Paul says, "thats why in church I had rather speak five words that make sense than to speak ten thousand words in a language that others don't know." (1 Corinthians 14:19b)
Paul also speaks about church order in this same chapter. He tells us that to have everyone in a church speaking in tongues is not Godly:
"Suppose everyone in your worship service started speaking unknown languages, and some outsiders or some unbelievers come in. Won't they think you are crazy? But suppose all of you are prophesying when those unbelievers and outsiders come in. They will realise that they are sinners, and they will want to change their ways because of what you are saying." (1 Corinthians 14:23-4)
Charismatic churches should beware the twin temptations of undue emphasis on tongues and allowing tongues to take over a church - a good sermon in English could be far more edifying.
© Dubhóc MacEògainn, 2005.