…to another speaking in tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. I Cor. 12:10b
I’ve never had my speech overtaken by the Spirit’s presence; I’ve never dropped to the floor in worship, slain in the spirit. There are people I know who assure me that if I just had a little more faith, I’d experience both. There are others who assure me that they would question my mental and emotional stability if I experienced either. Is speaking in tongues a sign of a strong faith? Is it a sign of a damaged psyche or emotional defect?
I don’t need to categorize the gift of speaking in tongues as anything more or less that it is – a gift of the Spirit. But it’s a gift only when it deepens the life of the community of faith, when it’s partnered with the gift of interpretation. Otherwise, it’s pointless.
According to Paul, it’s not meant to be for its own sake, but for the benefit of everyone. The same holds true for all the gifts he rattles off in his letter to the Corinthians. None of them are proof of a person’s spiritual superiority, and they are all blessings for the community at large.
There are congregations today that experience speaking in tongues and its interpretation. Mine is not one of them. Perhaps the Spirit doesn’t waste a gift on a community that wouldn’t know what to do with it…
Hard to know how to respond to these charismatic gifts. Like you, my churches have never recognized that gift as a current sign of the Spirit, and I’ve felt ok about that. But the growing edges of the church worldwide are largely charismatic or pentecostal, and we may need to stare that down–come to terms with what that means or implies, may need to learn how to appreciate those biblical gifts offered today.
So true. It’s hard to navigate that space between the different traditions in a way that honors each one. Thanks, David! peace, Johnna