“The Gift of an Anointed Tongue.”

In the interest of promoting a unifying foundation regarding the subject of tongues, I would like to explore a higher, broader question: Have I surrendered the words of my mouth to the anointing of the Holy Spirit in every spiritual and casual conversation? Have I sought the gift of an anointed, pure tongue?

There was and is a legitimate gift of tongues. But in 1 Corinthians 14, Paul taught that Christians should seek to speak truth that ministered to others in words they could understand. He taught the priority of clear prophetic words. The misunderstanding and misuse of tongues has been a dividing issue in the church for decades. Today, I believe we should all value “tongues as a tool, not as a toy.”

Without diminishing the value of tongues, Paul clearly gives priority to understandable truth.

1 Corinthians 14:1-4: 1 Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God; for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation. 4 One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church.

Spiritual gifting in the realm of the prophetic is multi-faceted (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). The Holy Spirit uses people to give a word of knowledge, of wisdom, of discernment regarding spirits, of foretelling and forthtelling, and interpreting a gift of tongues. All of these giftings are (1) prompted by the Spirit, (2) are understandable to the people present, and (3) are effective for God’s purposes of edification, exhortation, and consolation. All these prophetic expressions, when genuine, will always measure up to the Word of God. In fact, most often they will be timely reminders of what God has said in Scripture.

Now let’s explore the value of daily conversational speech among our families and friends outside the church prayer gatherings. Is our speech as Holy Spirit guided? “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25. As we life and walk by the Spirit, do we also talk by the Spirit? Consider:

Ephesians 4:29-30.

29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is

good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.

30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Matthew 12:36-37.

36 But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every

careless word they have spoken. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you

will be condemned.

Psalms 19:14. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

Before words come out of my mouth, I want the Spirit to reveal to me my true motivations. After I have already spoken, I need to submit to an “exit interview” with the Lord. I am so glad that He is “my strength” to help me speak correctly, and “my redeemer” when I have spoken incorrectly.

Will you join with me in setting a guard over our mouths? I am actively, consciously seeking the gift of a pure tongue every day. I desire an anointed tongue to be the consistent, driving feature of my gift-mix.

I now prefer supernaturally empowered, understandable words for showing Christ’s loveliness, displaying the power and presence of God. I plead for a pure voice available to the truth-telling Holy Spirit at all times and in every conversation. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. I ask for an anointed tongue that fluidly serves the purposes of the Holy Spirit to touch, encourage, heal, exhort, comfort, and build up everyone with whom I come into contact – both inside and outside the church. How about you?