The question of speaking with new tongues is a subject of constant debate within church circles and various denominations. Is it for today, or did it pass away? Well, that all matters if you automatically assume that the “new tongues” that I am referring to is a spiritual prayer language in which we speak a language no one understands, but that we speak mysteries to God in the Spirit.
However, this is not what I am referring to (although I do believe in and practice this as well). But that is the problem at hand I want to deal with; for many in the church, “new tongues” is merely this mysterious language we share between ourselves and God or perhaps in a charismatic meeting. I believe that the Lord desires to give us “new tongues” all across the board. You can see my previous article “Are You Religious” for a foundation of what I am building upon in this article.
On the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) we are told that the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave utterance or ability. As I said, for many, this is where tongues stops. They may “speak in tongues” in a meeting or their prayer closet and then walk out and complain, argue, gossip, lie, be short with their spouse, children, and/or others in their life and think nothing of it. This article, however, is meant as a challenge to us within the charismatic circle to broaden our concept and perception of new tongues to a more Biblical view. New tongues are ones that at one time gossiped and spoke lies, but now refrain from that and speak the truth. Tongues that once lashed out in anger are now comforting in patience with others. Tongues that use to complain, not give thanks in all things, and so on. In the words of the Apostle Paul who was speaking about our life of sin, darkness and rebellion, he says the following and most of it deals with our tongue.
In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. (Col.3:7-10 ESV)
We see in his letter to the Colossians that the unregenerate individual’s tongue is characterized by anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk. It is for this reason that upon coming to Christ and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our lives he gives us “new tongues”.
We see the same truth elaborated on in another passage, this one to the Ephesians;
Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [do not offend or vex or sadden Him], by Whom you were sealed (marked, branded as God’s own, secured) for the day of redemption (of final deliverance through Christ from evil and the consequences of sin). Let all bitterness and indignation and wrath (passion, rage, bad temper) and resentment (anger, animosity) and quarreling (brawling, clamor, contention) and slander (evil-speaking, abusive or blasphemous language) be banished from you, with all malice (spite, ill will, or baseness of any kind). And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you. (Eph.4:29-32 Amplified Bible)
Notice that Paul is primarily dealing with issues of the tongue and our manner of speech and that sandwiched between all this is an interesting phrase that stands out to me in its context–primarily because I hear this phrase often used out of context. It is always used in regards to cutting a worship service short or not allowing someone to prophesy in a meeting, and the like.
I’m talking about the phrase “and do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God.”
The little word “and” is important, as Paul is continuing his train of thought on our manner of speech. It is within the context of how we speak that he mentions ability to grieve the Holy Spirit. We grieve the Spirit when we do not speak in new tongues. When we do not have a word that “fits the occasion”, which can be a prophetic word. In fact, many times I think we can over-spiritualize what a “prophetic word” is to begin with. A prophetic word does not always need to be some deep spiritual mystery that puzzles its hearers. In the words of Paul, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation (1 Cor.14:3). My prayer is that we as the church will have words that fit the occasion for where people are in life, that we can be God’s voice to the world. How we speak to the lost is of dire importance. Take for example the following passage;
Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (Col.3:5-6 ESV)
Having a prophetic voice is speaking “as fits the occasion” and “knowing how to answer each person.”
Notice also, that Paul says our speech is to be seasoned with salt. Jesus said we are to be the salt of the earth (Matt.5:13) and when we look at this verse in light of the words of Jesus, we see that one key way that we are to be the salt of the earth is by our words. Salt is a preservative and a natural healing agent. In the same way, our words are to bring healing and preserve those who hear us.
I would encourage you to read the third chapter of James as he goes into detail about the power of the tongue and how we use it. However, I would like to highlight one concept he discusses in regards to new tongues: he correlates the tongue (a small member) with a bit and a horse’s mouth and a rudder on a ship. With all three small things (tongue, bit, rudder) they control something bigger (see James 3:3-5).
I believe one truth we can walk away with from James’ lesson on the tongue is that just as a bit controls the whole horse and the rudder is guided by the will of the pilot, so the Holy Spirit is the “bit” in our mouth, and the pilot that is to direct our manner of speech and life. If we allow the Holy Spirit to change our speech, he will change our course of life as well (Matt.12:33-37).
Remember the Psalmist said:
Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! (Ps.141:3).
May the Lord guide and direct our lips to be a people that honor him as we speak with new tongues.
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