"So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But all things should be done decently and in order."
God has set up certain restrictions we must abide by when we exercise the gifts that He gives us. Prophecy (the proclamation of truth—not necessarily telling future events) more naturally lends itself building people up as long as it is done one by one. Therefore, we should “desire to prophesy.”
Tongues speaking, on the other hand, requires the presence of an interpreter for the church to benefit. Additionally, only two or three people can do it in a service. Scripture puts these guidelines on the gift, but they are ignored by most modern day, so-called tongues speakers. I can scripturally forbid that kind of tongues speaking.
But while I believe that the gift of tongues is not for today and while I don’t believe the modern use of tongues is ever genuine nor would I allow it in my own church, I cannot unilaterally forbid it. This passage specifically commands me “not [to] forbid speaking in tongues.”
However God has gifted you to serve Him, when you use your gift publicly your service should clearly glorify God. In order for this to happen, there needs to be a decency and an orderliness about your ministry. You should communicate clearly and carefully. Your ministry should never be showy nor distract from the message. And the message must be true—in agreement with the Bible. God gifts people in different ways, but it is all for His glory.
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