More on tongues

There is a quote:

Some people look at situation and ask “Why?”  Others look at a situation and ask “Why not?”  

I think this could help express my take on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues.  Some look at the issue of tongues as evidence of Spirit Baptism and ask “Why?”  Who cares” Sure I speak in tongues: English! (or any other human language) (Some also outright oppose it calling it false, unbiblical and even anti-biblical thus violating Paul’s directive to not forbid tongues (I Cor 14:39)). Yet, others look at the same situation and say “Why not?” Why wouldn’t someone want to experience more of God’s presence and power in their life and even in the life of the church since what happens in people’s lives also can effect the church and vice versa). 

This is my take on the tongues issue - why not?  More than tongues, living a Spirit filled life is about living out a life empowered by the Holy Spirit, an ability to edify oneself and others, and offer worship to God beyond one’s normal capacity.  

What is wrong with edifying the self?  If one is depressed or needing an uplift what beats spending a few minutes in prayer to God and prayer in tongues to be lifted up? (I agree it is not always a quick fix but I think it should be included in the mix along with exercise, diet and other things).  In John Sherill’s book, They Speak with Other Tongues, I was encouraged to remember the ability to pray in tongues can serve a variety of purposes that enhance the Christian life in more ways than one: 

Don’t know what to do? Pray in tongues

Need some encouragement? Pray in tongues

Need wisdom about a situation or discernment? Pray in tongues

Need to intercede for another who needs immediate prayer? Pray in tongues

Need to seek God for healing (either physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, etc)? Pray in tongues

Got yourself in a bind? Pray in tongues

The list goes on with ways living a Spirit filled life enhances the Christian life.  So, while others would staunchly disagree with these notions and say “Why?” I say “Why not?”  I am concerned that in an effort to not hurt people’s feelings or to be accepted there is the tendency to want to play down the role of tongues speaking in the life of the believer (such as, it was the last of the list, not all speak in tongues, Paul offered lots of correctives, etc) so that others will not think they are somehow spiritually inferior (which is not at all the case).  I think tongues speech is intended to be an integral part of the Christian life so believers may be able to live out a life full of the Spirit.  This is not to say this makes our lives problem free but it can help us work through problems and resolve/overcome them, if not to give us the strength to endure them and grow through the process.  

All for now.