Editors note: the guest article appearing here does not necessarily reflect the views of Bible Rebel editors or other guest authors and contributors. Bible Rebel seeks to present a wide range of ideas and viewpoints in order to fulfill our mission to provide resources for “Curious Fearless Faith”. This is the second installment in an ongoing series on prayer by Steve Sann.
Why so Much? – The Least We Can Do…
Perhaps surprisingly, it is often the smallest things we do in life that bring about the greatest impact: a complimentary word to a child; the decision to forgive the inexcusable; a helping hand to another in a time of desperation. Although they may be simple and unsophisticated, little things in life can bring about far-reaching effects.
So it is with speaking in tongues. A little effort goes a long way. For instance, how much personal energy do we really expend when we speak by the spirit? Not much, really: we don’t even have to think before we speak! We open our mouths, move our lips, make the sounds, and—lo and behold—God gives us His words. How uncomplicated. And if not painless enough, we can even not move our mouths, and just speak in tongues silently to ourselves! Simple, yet what a profound impact these effortless words of perfect prayer have on our lives and the world around us. To speak in tongues is as easy as God could design it—it is literally the least we can do!
When we first speak in tongues, we speak out in faith, trusting God to give us the words as we speak forth. We just begin speaking, and the words are there. But, if we are to learn to speak in tongues much, discipline is much more the order of the day. Discipline is born from our inner desire, and our desire is fueled by our anticipation of receiving the special benefits God has promised us. Learn and yearn for His benefits, and they will motivate you to discipline your life to obtain the things of God. As always, God’s gain is our gain.
So, what motivates me to speak in tongues in the first place? Most basically, because Jesus said I should, and Paul said I could. Jesus, in his final instructions on earth, commanded that future believers should speak in tongues: “And these signs shall follow them that believe…. they shall speak with new tongues.” (Mk. 16:17 KJV). And later Paul, encouraged all believers, that they both should and could: “I would that ye all spake with tongues…” (I Corinthians 14:5a KJV). So, the morning of the Day of Pentecost, when the gift of holy spirit was first received, what did the apostles do? They spoke in tongues as the Lord had commanded.
And yet, as we look around today, it’s not uncommon to see those seeking tongues becoming discouraged, waiting endlessly in disappointment to “feel” something. Some even have reasoned that God certainly has not granted them this “special gift”.
Even others have been taught it is exclusively for ministering in foreign languages as a missionary. But in reality, that phenomenon occurred only once in all of scripture (Acts 2): there is no promise offered nor reason suggested that it would be often repeated. Quite the opposite: we speak in tongues because the scriptures stipulate it, not because we expect sensations, or are planning some sort of religious pilgrimage!
Every one of us has the ability to speak in tongues at the time of the new birth. Physical sensations and other such phenomena are never guaranteed by the Word, and, frankly, are most uncommon. Why should God have to use five senses incentives (emotions, feelings, and the like) to motivate a mature Christian to do what is clearly commanded in His Word?
Steve Sann
Steve Sann is a writer and researcher passionate about biblical studies, theology, and historical analysis. His work explores prophecy, spiritual manifestations, and other scriptural mysteries with clarity, logic, and an unwavering dedication to accuracy. His research challenges conventional perspectives while remaining grounded in the time-tested principle that Scripture interprets itself.