I had an interesting journey recently in a van with some believers whom I did not know personally. After some time, two of them went to the back of the van and began using the gift of tongues in a most casual way. I found it strange because they were not directing it to God but almost using it as a chant and doing it like they were gaining some points from a game. It set me thinking as to how the gift of tongues is being practiced and taught in certain circles. It is being taught that since tongues cannot be understood by the mind, a more pure form of prayer is taking place and sanctification happens at a much faster pace. In other words, a person praying in tongues grows faster spiritually because his prayer is more accurate.
The problem I have is not with tongues per se but the fact that it seems to be taught as the answer to everything. I pray with the mind and I pray with the spirit. I sing with the mind and I sing with the spirit. I do not think that one is an improved version of the other. We cannot replace one with the other. The devil is not more scared of tongues than of languages. Tongues do not awaken the angels more. Our mind being switched off is not always necessary. Sometimes, to think through our prayers is more edifying. It all depends on the situation we are in. When we are in tune with the Holy Spirit, He has the freedom to speak to our mind or to bypass our mind. Both are equally edifying. The only difference I believe is that we are easily distracted when we pray with the mind but praying with the spirit can extend our prayer times. We can pray more and that is a definite advantage but let us not deify tongues. We can use tongues more and still be very carnal. Let us beware of moving out of grace into a gospel of works.
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