There has at times been confusion about speaking in tongues. Certainly one can be saved and baptized just as the Samariatians where without speaking in tongues. This is not about salvation. This is about power.
"I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” Luke 24:49
I don't know about you, but I need all the power from the Lord I can get to live a victorious, righteous life. If Daddy says we need it, then we need it. It's as simple as that.
"While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God." Acts 10:44-46
Speaking in tongue is you allowing the Holy Spirit to pray and praise through your lips. You don't know what you are saying and it almost sounds like gibberish. But it is not! It is the power of God Himself praying for you. It builds your inner man up and intercedes as only the All Knowing One can. It is the power of God released onto the earth.
"Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves"1 Corinthians 14:4
At first it is odd to be speaking and the language skipping your brain all together, but if you will believe the Word and ignore the ridicule of your flesh and the enemy; you will begin to feel things moving in the Spirit. Remember what Peter said:
"Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off —for all whom the Lord our God will call.'" Acts 2:38-39
Don't let anyone steal the Gift your Father wants you to have. Take the Gift with thanksgiving and enjoy the new dynamic in your relationship with the Father who loves you so much. He knew this world would be difficult, so He gave you a Gift to help. We all have been in situations where we simple don't know what to pray or worse yet we are convinced we do know what to pray and are way off in our understanding. Praying in tongues empowers us to pray the will of God. Remember He didn't send His Son to condemn us, but to rescue us. He didn't send His Holy Spirit to rip us apart but to build us up. He's for you not against you. Trust Him. Yield control of your tongue.
James3:7-8 says: "All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison." Untameable by man, yet tamed and made obedient by the power of God. And not only obedient, but full of the praises of God. Don't let the fear of looking foolish lord over you. Submit to God; more than that, grab a hold of the God's gift!
