Tongues is indeed for every believer. Let’s dive in.
First, let’s go over a few key points. We are one with the Holy Spirit; as stated in 1 Corinthians 6:17 “But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.” Romans 8:26-27 tells us, “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” We learn from this scripture that the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. Meaning we don’t always know what God wants us to pray for, but the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words; and the Father, who knows all hearts, knows what the Spirit is saying because the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. Those “groanings” are not the gift of tongues so all we want to glean from this portion of scripture is that the Holy Spirit prays for us. The Holy Spirit is our helper.
Now let’s look more specifically at the gift of tongues mentioned in 1 Corinthians 14. There are three expressions of tongues; the personal tongue, a private prayer language for self-edification (1 Corinthians 14:2); the proof tongue, an earthly language for unbelievers to witness God’s power, as seen on the day of Pentecost; and the prophetic tongue, which requires an interpreter to provide a message for the church’s benefit. Now why would God only want certain people to have a personal, private prayer language? He wants to speak with all of His children in this intimate way, therefore all we have to do is receive this divine gift.
So what’s blocking us from speaking in this wonderful private prayer language? It comes down to one word – ego. Not pride, pride can be a part of it, but self is the root. We get in our own way. Ego allows one or a combination of these three things to block igniting the gift of speaking in tongues. Fear, doubt, and overthinking.
Fear of looking foolish. We’re afraid of people of the world, heathens, criticizing us. Well, so be it. We’re afraid of religious Christians criticizing us. Well, so be it. If you’re worried about looking strange, let me just tell you plainly, you’re going to look strange. We are supposed to stand out. God calls us to be set apart, not to fit in. We are a peculiar people.
Doubt in the Holy Spirit praying through us. We say, “This is just me.” Or “Maybe this isn’t really the gift of tongues.” Our doubt needs to go and be replaced by faith. We need to trust fully in God’s Word. The other thing is that yes, it will partially be just us. One of the biggest misconceptions that Christians have is that the Holy Spirit is going to do all the work. In fact, any spiritual act requires faith. It requires our participation. It requires our action, our trust in God. Just because we do not fully understand it does not mean we should not fully put our faith in it.“For we walk by faith, not by sight,” (2 Corinthians 5:7). “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding,” (Proverbs 3:5).
Lastly, overthinking. Just relax – that is faith in action. Sometimes we have trouble releasing this gift because we’re so tense and wrapped up in ourselves. So, let go of the fear. Let go of the doubt. Let go of the overthinking. We will look foolish. This is real. Faith trumps all.
Now, I challenge you to begin to release those syllables and sounds by faith, trusting that the Holy Spirit will fill them. It is the language of surrender. It is the language of faith. Leave it to God to hide such immense power behind such a humble childlike act. It’s like starting a car. You have to turn the key, but once you turn the key, that engine takes over and you’ll feel the moment that it becomes a flow. Go ahead, be bold. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be ashamed. Release those heavenly syllables and sounds.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen!!
