My sister and I were discussing the gift of tongues. She asked what the church I belong to believes regarding the subject. First I think I should be clear about what the gift is. According to the New Testament, speaking in "tongues" is a gift from Holy Spirit wherein one speaks in a language which is previously unknown to the one speaking it. The main passages involving the speaking of tongues are Acts, chapter 2 and 1st Corinthians 13-14.

The New Testament does not really encourage believers to actively seek the gift of tongues. As a matter of fact, it give pretty specific guidelines for the use of that particular gift. (See 1 Cor. 13-14) It clearly states that not everybody (in the body) speak in tongues. Look at the questions the Apostle Paul asks in 1 Cor. 12:28-30, such as, "Do all speak with tongues?" The questions Paul asks demand to be answered with a "No," and if you look at the order of the importance of the gifts, tongues are listed last.

Instead of tongues, we are actually challenged to seek those gifts which are better, those which edify. (See 1Cor. 12:31) We're told to seek those gifts which serve to edify others, those gifts that minister the truth of Christ in a way that everybody can understand.

It's interesting too, that the only detailed instruction that we can read on the use of the gift of tongues is found in Paul's first recorded letter to the Corinthians, a church that he called carnal. This should be a lesson that any group could seek or even promote this gift for a purpose contrary to what God designed it for. After all, 1st Corinthians 14:22 makes it clear that tongues are to be a sign for the unbeliever, not the believer. Even more interesting is that in all of the rest of the epistles by Paul and also by Peter, that deal with true spirituality and the way we walk with the Lord, tongues are not mentioned. Not even once. Another thing to remember is that unbelieving people all over the world make claims to speaking in tongues.

Having said all of that, I believe the gift of tongues is available and in use today. So, the position my church holds to regarding the gift of tongues is? "The continuance today of the diversities of spiritual gifts as found in Corinthians 12:4-11." I guess that's why I'm taking pains to be clear, and also why I took pains to answer my sister's questions regarding this issue. I don't have the gift of tongues, but I have brothers and sisters in Christ who do. Any spiritual gift can be wasted or abused and, as always, the place to be for instruction is in the Word, waiting on the power and guidance of Holy Spirit.