1 Corinthians 14:12 –
And the same is true for you. Since you are so eager to have the special abilities the Spirit gives, seek those that will strengthen the whole church.
This goes into comparing the gifts of prophesy and tongues. If you are involved with a church that is “heavy” into tongues this may not be the right chapter for you. Paul points out that speaking in tongues is more for believers and should be limited in public. He actually limits churches to 2 or 3 people doing this (v. 27) and warns of unbelievers thinking “you are crazy” (v. 23). I cannot deny the first time I heard someone speaking in tongues; I thought it was very strange.
Paul is clear that if you are speaking in tongues, especially in public, you need someone there who can interpret these words. A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally and this is valuable for one’s personal growth with God. But at the same time Paul wants to warn churches to focus on strengthen the entire church and focus on prophesy over tongues (v. 4). So Paul is making sure the church focuses on the needs of the church before the individual, but not to dismiss the individual’s gifts.
Tongues are one of those gifts that I have a problem with when used publically. I sometimes feel the ones with that gift use it in public in a prideful way, more to say “look what I can do” than to glorify God. Also, it’s one of the only gifts that can really be “faked” and no one will know the better, since no one can understand what is being said.
I often wonder if the only true “speaking in tongues” experience I have seen was with my friend Pat, who out of the blue started speaking Spanish. Granted it wasn’t perfect, but he could communicate the Gospel clearly. It was crazy to witness, having known his knowledge of Spanish before. So are tongues speaking in “God’s language” or speaking in a language that you don’t understand, but others do? My only argument against this is Paul makes it clear that you may not understand what you are saying, but others will understand. In Pat’s case I believe he was clear and purposeful in his Spanish and understood what was being said.
So if you have this gift, don’t be discouraged of its importance. It has great value and reward for you personally. Just realize that it’s more for personal development and less for public display. And for those with the gift of prophecy, use it and build up the church. Don’t hide it for personal growth only!!