Tongues: For Personal and Private Use

The topic of spiritual language is devisive amongst christians. The reason: Satan likes it that way. He knows if he can keep the christian away from the gifts of the Holy Spirit, he can keep them from becoming "witnesses to Jesus Christ"(Acts 1:8) in our sphere of influence. The examples of the Holy Spirit coming upon people always resulted in the spiritual language of tongues coming forth from those people experiencing that power.

My family and christian friends know that I agree with the biblical teaching on this subject. They know I strongly advocate for every christian to seek after spiritual gifts yet they have rarely, if ever, heard me as I pray in tongues because it is not important that they hear me. In my personal christian life, I speak in tongues other than my native language of english because "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"(I Cor. 14:2) and "but you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit"(Jude v.20). Reference back to v.19 regarding sensual persons, causing division, because they do not have the Spirit. Having and praying in the Spirit empowers us to be Spirit-led as opposed to being sense-led. It is my opinion that  these references speak of tongues for personal use. I am edifying myself in Christ as I speak in tongues. A strength arises in in my spirit for my soul as I pray/speak in tongues.

I Corinthians, chapter 14, discusses tongues for public edification. As you read this chapter, you will see there is place for this manifestation of the Holy Spirit in the church service as well. Here, tongues are vocal and are to be heard by others, serving as a sign to unbelievers. 

I Corinthians 12:29-31 reads,"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? " I have prayed/spoken in tongues personally and almost daily for 18 years yet vocally in church only on 3-4 occasions over that same period. Earnestly desiring the best gifts (those that profit others as well as you) will put you in a position to be ready when He calls upon you.

Remember, we struggle not with flesh and blood, but principalities, with powers, with rulers of darkness of the age, with spiritual hosts of wickedness in high places. This is a point of contention in particular christian circles because Satan wants to steal the empowerment Jesus means for us to have. He wants to remove the spiritual which draws people to God's goodness and make church a lecture series. This is a living gospel, we need all the tools God means for us to have!