Neglected Discipline

Neglected Discipline of Speaking in Tongues

When we hear of Christian disciplines most people’s thoughts immediately reflect on Bible reading, fasting, and prayer. A couple days ago the Holy Spirit spoke a phrase to me, “The neglected disciple of speaking in tongues.”

A brief exegete on tongues for those who are unfamiliar with this gift. The first mention of tongues in the New Testament (NT) is Mark 16:17, “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues.” Then on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2) 120 prayers were are all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues. Throughout the Book of Acts we see accounts where believers spoke in tongues. 1 Corinthians 12 states it is a gift given by the Holy Spirit. This gift is explained with detail in 1 Corinthians 14 where it is also called “speaking, singing, and/or praying in the Spirit.” It is described in such a way as to lend that it was a normal part of the gathering of believers.

Paul thanked God he spoke in tongues more than anyone. He also wanted all to speak in tongues. As in other Scriptures, we must assume that what Paul wrote is the heart of the Lord. We don’t have full knowledge of the benefits of speaking in tongues. But it must be important. We should discipline ourselves to speak in tongues often.

If you don’t yet speak in tongues, ask Jesus to baptize you with the Holy Spirit. Believe He did. Open your mouth and speak in tongues. He wants you to have it more than you want it.

Here is the exhortation from the Holy Spirit:

Do not neglect the discipline of speaking in tongues.