“The Gift of an Anointed Tongue.”

In remembrance of Palm Sunday, and in celebration on Easter Sunday, Carol and I are pleased to host at our table all the family members who are in Indiana. You probably are anticipating some gatherings with family and friends at church or in homes, even while observing prudent virus cautions. Our food will be fabulous. Our laughter lovely. Our conversation congenial. Our talk intentional. And our Lord honored.

The purpose of this Sunday blogpost relates to our conversations. Specifically, what, how, and why we say as we share with the folks around us. How we use our tongues is a matter of spiritual maturity, no matter the relational setting in which we find ourselves. Our tongues must be under control of the Spirit.

The Gift of a Pure Tongue: Let’s discuss the distinction between the “gift of tongues” and the “gift of an anointed tongue.”

Biblical “tongues” is one of the sign gifts from the inception of the church until now. I have sought this gift, and would embrace it joyfully, if this were the Holy Spirit’s intention for my gift-mix. However, I have surrendered to His perfect plan for me. You may have this gift, a “prayer language.” I encourage you to use it for His glory – as a tool, not a toy. Not everyone may have this specific gift, but everyone can and should have a pure tongue that speaks under the guidance of the Holy Spirit at all times.

Let me explain. I am actively, consciously seeking the gift of a “pure” tongue. I desire the anointing of the Spirit of Truth to be the consistent, evident feature of my gift-mix. I desire an anointed (pure) tongue for showing Christ’s personhood and presence. This is better for me than the supernaturally empowered “sign” gift of an unknown language. Both are valuable. But it is in my heart rather to seek to walk in the realm of the prophetic in how my tongue is made available to the truth-telling Spirit in advancing the Kingdom of Christ (1 Corinthians 14:1-4). Listen to these direct words about a urgency of pure tongue:

 Matthew 12:36-37. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.

 James 3:6. And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell.

R.T.Kendall notes: “What you and I actually say will in all probability be what gets us into trouble and will grieve the Holy Spirit. I guarantee you, gold, silver, and costly stones will be our own superstructure largely to the degree to which you and I control our tongues.”

 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.

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

 Psalms 139:23-24. 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; 24 and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.

Your Words Matter of God. Will you join me in consciously seeking the gift of a pure tongue? More than just at holiday gatherings, the Lord will empower and position us to be ready always to say what the Holy Spirit may desire us to say. And let’s be willing to submit to an “exit-interview” with the Spirit of Truth so we do not grieve Him in what we say. Be encouraged. You can have the gift of a pure tongue.