Speaking in tongues

One of the spiritual gifts mentioned in connection with the baptism in the Holy Spirit is 'speaking in tongues', which refers to one speaking in a human or angelic language he does not know. First of all we must throw away what some people insist on when they say that this is the real mark of the baptism in the Spirit. No, the word of God teaches us that the Holy Spirit distributes these gifts to people as He wishes, and there is also an indication that everyone will not get it (1Co.12:11,30). The real mark is power to be witnesses for God (Ac.1:8). Also we must remember that this gift is about a language, with words, sentences and grammar, and not a repetition of a few syllables.

Spiritual gifts, in general, are not given to us for our benefit but for the others (1Co.12:7). But as an exception, the gift of languages has two applications. When we speak to God in this unknown language, we don't understand the meaning, but speak believing that it is the Holy Spirit enabling us to speak the words He gives us. Then we get the benefit of fellowship with God through faith. But if we speak in this unknown language in public, it is to be restricted only to occasions where someone is present to interpret it for others (1Co.14:28). But it is shocking to see many people using these languages freely in public, without interpretation, not taking care to follow the instructions given for its use.

I did not speak in tongues when I was baptised in the Spirit, but later when I understood how useful it can be for me in my personal relationship with God, I asked God for it, and He gave it. I don't use it publicly, but two occasions where it specially helps me is when I am so full of praise or gratitude to God and I don't know how to express it, and also as a means to share the distress in my heart to God when I don't know what to pray for.

I wonder about those who speak with unknown sounds (sometimes they don't sound like any language) freely. Is it to show off how spiritual they are, or to show that they are Spirit-baptised? Sometimes it looks even like 'fillers' between sentences when there is a gap in their words! (I think of some people who say, "Praise God" in this manner, without even noticing the context! Imagine saying, "Judas went and hanged himself. Praise God!")

Overall, these misuses show a lack of reverence and submission to the word of God. If we really believe that the Bible is the God-inspired word of God given for our instruction, don't we need to be obedient to it? Shouldn't we study it deeply, learn it in detail and make everything in our life follow it? Can we, on the other side, go by our experiences and then find suitable words in the Bible to support us, or even twist the words or take them out of context to justify what we actually do? Let us remember, the more we align ourselves with the word of God, the better we will be in His plans for us. In serving God, let us neither try to impress people nor feel great ourselves.