THE IMPORTANCE OF SPEAKING IN NEW TONGUES
I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:….(1 Corinthian 14:18)
The bible is replete with many treasures to bless the world but more often than not, some people interpret some topics in the bible in a way that ‘robs’ them of God’s blessings. One of such controversial topics is speaking in new tongues or praying in the Holy Ghost. Ten to twenty years ago, it was somewhat ‘forbidden’ to talk about the importance of speaking in tongues in the body of Christ. However, over the years, several teachings on the importance of speaking in tongues have made some enormous positive impacts. Nevertheless, this topic is still worth discussing so as to throw more light on this topic.
Speaking in new tongues is predominantly a New Testament phenomenon. It is mentioned explicitly for the first time by Jesus Christ in Mark 16:17- “….and these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues”. This was a promise of Jesus Christ after His resurrection from the dead. He promised the coming of the Holy Spirit to help Christians in their ministry after He has exited the earth, therefore, speaking in tongues was one of the signs to show that the Holy Spirit had come and filled the disciples. This promise was fulfilled in Acts 2:4 where the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and they spoke in new tongues. What really is the importance of speaking in new tongues resulting in Apostle Paul’s resounding statement in 1 Corinthians 14:18?
First and foremost, speaking in new tongues is a medium to deliver God’s direction and leadership to the church (1 Corinthians 12:10). Church members through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit are able to deliver God’s message to the body of Christ. Speaking in new tongues and interpreting it, the church or members of the church are able to know the right things to do at the right time to advance the course of the church or the lives of individuals. Speaking in tongues edifies (improves, enlightens, informs, educates) the church (1 Corinthians 14:4). However, Paul advises in 1 Corinthians 14:5 that tongues and its interpretation are more important than prophesy. Prophesy is more important than speaking in tongues without interpretation.
Secondly, speaking in tongues builds us up (Jude 1:20). This is an important spiritual truth which works for people who believe. If you are somebody who requires mental and or physical prowess, speaking in tongues aids the process. Speaking in tongues builds your leadership qualities to a level that is beyond the natural realm. The natural body is subject to infirmities but speaking in tongues strengthens the body against infirmities and also heal infirmities. Medical conditions that have no solutions yet can disappear when one speaks in tongues more often. Great results are acquired through speaking in tongues. However, speaking in tongues must be motivated by God’s word because the power generated from speaking in tongues comes from the Holy Spirit and the God’s word.
Speaking in tongues is a way of expressing ourselves in the heavenly vocabulary with our heavenly Father. When one speaks in new tongues, it is the spirit of the person that speaks. “… he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God; for no man understandeth him, howbeith in the spirit he speaketh mysteries” (1 Corinthians 14:2). One is able to express himself/herself to our Father beyond the natural realm and this is so exciting. At this level, you can take hold of several spiritual opportunities and treasures to bless yourself and the world around you.
Lastly, praying in tongues reveals God’s will to us (John 16:13). If you want to know God’s will for your life in the short term, medium term or long term, it is important to always pray in tongues. It is necessary to add again that praying in tongues should go together with the study of God’s word and obedience to God’s word.
