I Don't Speak in Tongues - Am I Saved?

In church circles, much has been made about the appropriateness of speaking in tongues. Some believe it’s a required gifting, evidence of the presence of God within a Christian. Others say it’s merely a tool, and when coupled with other biblical talents and principles, can be useful for the edifying of the saints. Today’s devotional is a quick dive into speaking tongues, what the Bible says about it, and how God manifests different gifts within each of us.

Speaking in tongues is not a prerequisite for salvation. In other words, to be saved does not necessarily mean that one must speak in tongues. If that were the case, Paul would not have encouraged the saints to "earnestly desire spiritual gifts" (1 Corinth 14:1).

Essentially, Paul is conveying that God has not made speaking in tongues a requirement in the Bible. He is simply highlighting the goodness of the gift, and encouraging the body of Christ to seek to have it, considering how its proper use has the ability to build up the church. ( Tongues, according to scripture, ought to be interpreted when used in large assemblies, like any gathering of the congregation.)

If I had the opportunity to speak face to face with the pastor who questioned my salvation because I don’t currently speak in tongues, I would tell him that I long to do so one day. I would ask him to pray for me. In his presence, I would sing praises to the God who has a record of never missing an opportunity to spoil His children with good gifts. However, I would also share with him how satisfied I am to have been considered a woman worth saving from God’s indignation, due to my countless sins against the Lord.

To me, the greatest gift is to be counted righteous on account of what Christ has done, and if in the process of being sanctified on my way to a new body and His eternal presence, God gives me the gift of speaking in tongues, I will welcome it. In the interim, however, salvation is more than enough.