Orderly Tongues

.... To many Christians today, the very suggestion of using tongues in an 'orderly' manner seems problematic. How can we be expected to 'flow' in the Spirit if we are also trying to follow instructions? But let us consider the bigger and truer picture:

.... The Scriptures provide us with instructions for 'processing' this gift in our own minds each time an utterance comes our way. They also provide instruc- tions for expressing the gift aloud within the church. The Holy Spirit Himself is the author of these Scriptures, just as He is the author of the utterance, so in fact they should go together naturally. If there seems to be a conflict then our own misunderstanding is the source -- which proves, in itself, that those Scriptural instructions were necessary, in this case, for the purpose of correction (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

.... Therefore we must respect those instuctions as a part of the Holy Spirit's leading in this gift, to help us flow in the gift as He intended, so we can be sure to get it right:

.... "For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints."

(1 Corinthians 14:33)

.... In the church, an interpretation should always follow when a tongue is spoken out loud by an individual. In fact, two utterances in tongues should be given in turn, or at the most three, by different individuals, and one other person should interpret each of them in turn (1 Corinthians 14:27). If a person speaks in tongues and it turns out that no interpreter is present, they are to pray that they, themselves, might interpret for the church (1 Corinthians 14:13). But if it is known in advance that there is no interpreter there, they are to speak softly to themselves and to God, without speaking aloud to the church (1 Corinthians 14:28).

.... One of the reasons it is important to observe this order is for the sake of unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:22). When tongues are exercised in an orderly manner, they become a sign of the Holy Spirit’s presence (Mark 16:17). When an interpretation comes forth as well, it shows His supernatural governance within that body of believers. Think of how astonishing it is to them that two or three unknown languages may be spoken, yet one person interprets each of them in turn! What common themes might be woven between them, and find expression? And the very process speaks a greater presence, the true and divine author, who is orchestrating all. But when tongues are used in a disorderly manner, which sets His divine counsel aside, the whole purpose behind the sign is ruined. In their hearts, even an unbeliever will perceive that folly has found a place: "Will they not say that you are out of your mind?" (1 Corinthians 14:23).

.... Another reason for an orderly use of this gift is that a person speaking in tongues is always edified, but the church is not edified unless an interpretation follows. In other words the utterance may degenerate into a disruption, a selfish 'feel good' imposition on the rest of the church if an interpretation does not follow. But the interpretation would bring a beautiful, uplifting and edifying word, as the reading of a psalm would be, so the whole body of believers might rejoice together. And for this very reason, too, let the speaker be mindful of the task he is leaving for the interpreter:

.... "Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played? For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare himself for battle? So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air."

(1 Corinthians 14:7-9)

.... In this passage Paul seems to be saying, very simply, that we should take our time with an utterance. Try not to speak in such a rush. Also, we should meditate on the utterance and do our best to articulate the syllables clearly, with true inflections, to pronounce each word as well as we possibly can. For example (in English) if the word is ‘speaking of which’, then take some time to feel it out and pronounce it correctly, instead of blurting out something like ‘speegginawidge’ which is obviously garbled. You don't want your 'notes' or syllables to sound uncertain, like you're babbling or 'speaking into the air'; even if your utterance is in someone's native tongue, they may not recognize it in this form.

.... In fact, remember that the utterance you are given may actually be the native tongue of someone present, and God may wish to use it as a sign to them. This was the case when tongues were spoken on the Day of Pentecost, for example, and it opened the door for preaching the gospel as the disciples became witnesses for Jesus. Therefore if spiritual gifts are the means, then evangelism is the end of the means, for in this and countless other ways spiritual gifts are always used for the purpose of God's ultimate glory.

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Daily Bible Reading: Galatians 1