Speaking In Tongues

I am confident in the fact that speaking in tongues is not a requirement for one being saved. There is more to the story though. I personally have never heard of a doctrine that made this practice a requirement, but I have heard people make that claim before. As I heard this discussion once again. I saw something I hadn't seen before. Speaking in tongues doesn't say you are saved, but it isn't a devilish act either.

The first scripture that caught my eye was this one. It put me on notice that speaking in tongues is a gift. Like myself, all believers don't have the ability. I guess it's kind of like being able to sing. The only one who doesn't like to rehearse, is the one who doesn't have a voice.

1 Corinthians 12
10To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

Then I reflected on the worship service itself. It seems that those most impressed are those new to the faith. They get excited and are often driven to join the church. Scripture tells us that tongues are for the unbeliever and not those who believe. Those in search of the right thing are looking for a word from the lord. Which simply means something written in the bible.

1 Corinthians 14
22Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

This last scripture brought the whole thing home. Don't lose any sleep worrying about those speaking in tongues. What we should seek is to be abreast of the prophesy .If we all do our part to the best of our ability. One should take care of the other.

39Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.