What’s a Wagga Wagga? What comes to mind when you hear the names Wooloomooloo and Goondawindi? Yes, these are indiginous names, but what do they mean? If you are speaking them without knowing what they mean, you are speaking in an unknown tongue!
Sure, that unknown tongue, that language, is not inspired by the Spirit of God. But it is an unknown tongue nevertheless, because you don’t know what the words mean. And if you don’t know what they mean, you are speaking a language you haven’t learned. The difference between a tongue you don’t know and the spiritual gift of tongues is that the first comes from your mind and the second comes from your spirit. But to be understood, both tongues need to be interpreted.
How many in your church speak in tongues in a mechanical way, rather than with the fluency of expression enjoyed by the apostles on the Day of Pentecost, or the church at Corinth? No doubt many have the gift of tongues – the ability to speak in an unknown language when praying to God, but seem unable to speak with any real enjoyment. There is as much difference between an anointed tongue and a ‘mechanical’ one as there is between a new car and one that is overdue for a tune-up. What’s needed when speaking a tongue is a heartfelt connection!
The twin gifts of tongues and interpretation bring life to a church service, blessing those who hear as well as those who speak – but only when those gifts flow freely and fluently! Do you desire to speak in tongues fluently? First spend time alone in prayer and praise. The tongue and the subsequent interpretation will then bless the whole church. Those present will know that the gift is the overflow from a thankful heart. As well, the tongue will build up the spirit of the person speaking.
Mobilize your mind to think on the things of God before as well as during the time you speak in tongues.; the result will help you to appreciate this long misunderstood and much maligned spiritual gift. Don’t be afraid of being a little emotional! You wouldn’t dream of saying “I love you” to someone you really care for in an expressionless monotone. You would say “I love you!” You would say it with feeling. You would want that person to know how much you care!
How much more then should you speak in tongues to God in a way that will convey to Him your love and appreciation for all that He has done for you! The most vital ingredient in a love relationship is the communication, in a clear and caring way, of one person’s feelings for the other. God has declared His love for you so many times, in so many ways. He waits for your response – and speaking in the love language of an unknown tongue is a wonderful way for you to respond!
Oh, and by the way, Wooloomooloo means “twirling around”, Goondawindi is “a place of wild ducks”, and Wagga Wagga means “a place of many crows”. Now say Talangatta, Tallebudgera, Coolangatta, Cunamulla and Oodnadatta. Whoops! There you go again – speaking in an unknown tongue!
7 Very Good Reasons Why You Should Speak An Unlearned Language:
1. Because it is the only spiritual gift that relates to God; the others all relate to people. (1 Corinthians 14:2)
2. Because when you speak it, you disclose spiritual mysteries to the church. (1 Corinthians 14:2)
3. Because in doing so, you build yourself up, spiritually. (1 Corinthians 14:4)
4. Because it opens a door to another spiritual gift: interpretation. (1 Corinthians 14:13)
5. Because when you speak in an unknown language, your spirit prays. (1 Corinthians 14:14)
6. Because your prayer is one of blessing and thanksgiving to God. (1 Corinthians 14:16)
7. Because the apostle Paul spoke unlearned languages more than the whole Corinthian church! (1 Corinthians 14:18)
Caution: Unless followed by an interpretation, speaking in unlearned languages may confirm unbelievers in their unbelief. But interpretation (and prophecy) brings them to faith (1 Corinthians 14:21-25).