Beginnings: Your New Tongue*

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NJKV)

When I became a committed Christian, I didn't know… all the differences of thought within the fellowship of faith. 

When possible, I still don't want to know. To me, among believers and brothers, among church leaders, pastors, and prophets... doctrinal and denominational divisions are devilish devices: separators stemming from Satan’s sins.

SIDEBAR: Remember when the Spirit descended upon our King’s earliest disciples, and some (or all) received the gift of tongues.** Paul spoke often in them and about them. 

Whether 'other tongues' are divine downloads (like Star Trek’s universal translator)... or a personal language to the Lord (or both) remains a matter of debate. But…

Consider an inarguable truth: God's stars must SPEAK BETTER than the world's stars. 

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

Your performance must be unique enough to gain respect and consideration: for castings, clients, and crucial causes. (The utmost cause is conversion to Christ.)

As ambassadors, you’re God's messengers. Regarding off-stage communication: 

'Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one' (Colossians 4:6). Mean words are common, so be UNcommon.

Speak words of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and Christ’s gentleness. Practice and show self-control of the mouth.

  • Instead of hype, speak relatable words.

  • Instead of talking lots, speak concisely.

  • Instead of gripes, speak appreciation.

  • Instead of despairing, speak faith and hope.

  • Instead of cutting down, speak your support.

  • Instead of refusing, be YES people.

God will help develop your new tongue. Just ask Him. 'Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say' (Exodus 4:12).

Beginnings: Your New Tongue (Part 16)

* Scriptures on 'The Tongue' and the power of words: What Does the Bible Say About Tongue? http://www.openbible.info/topics/words

* Scriptures on 'Speaking in Tongues:' What Does the Bible Say About Speaking In Tongues?

** 'When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance' (Acts 2:1-5).

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God–  to multiply them in the world for His glory.

P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.

WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!

Carey Arban