On the day of Pentecostall the believers were meeting together in one place.Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. — Acts 2:1-4 NLT
The Holy Spirit is responsible for distributing spiritual gifts to believers. The purpose of these spiritual gifts is to help each other, to encourage, edify, and serve the Church.
The manifestation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in a believer can occur at any time during the believer’s life. Some believers demonstrate the gifts from the day of their salvation, others take a while before they start functioning in the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
While spiritual gifts are essential to the body of Christ, we should, however, be desirous for the gifts that uplift, benefit, encourage and edify the whole church. The Apostle Paul said, “…Since you are so eager to have the special abilities the Spirit gives, seek those that will strengthen the whole church.” 1 Corinthians 14:12 (NLT)
Speaking in other tongues is one of the spiritual gifts however, it’s not always the evidence of a believer receiving or being filled with the Holy Spirit. A believer who hasn’t yet spoken or doesn’t frequently speak in tongues, that believer does not lack the power of the Holy Spirit at work in them and through them.
So, what is the conclusion of this matter? Apostle Paul gave some brilliant suggestions. He said:
“…let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say ‘Amen’ at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say? For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.” 1 Corinthians 14:13-19 (NKJV)
“…if unbelievers or people who don’t understand these things come into your church meeting and hear everyone speaking in an unknown language, they will think you are crazy. But if all of you are prophesying, and unbelievers or people who don’t understand these things come into your meeting, they will be convicted of sin and judged by what you say. As they listen, their secret thoughts will be exposed, and they will fall to their knees and worship God, declaring, ‘God is truly here among you.’” 1 Corinthians 14:23-25 (NLT)
The Holy Spirit is fundamental to the life of a believer and the Church. His work is however far greater than speaking in other tongues.
Stay blessed,
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 