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November 3, 2003 Dear Gabby, I recently attended a Christian concert featuring Michael W. Smith and Mercy Me. Obviously there was a large mixture of church denominations among the thousands of people in attendance. A woman from a neighboring Apostolic church was sitting in the very front row. During the entire 2+ hours of the concert she spoke out loud in tongues, stopping only during the intermission. I was seated over 100 feet away and could hear her over some of the songs. Although I believe that speaking in tongues is a gift and should be spoken frequently to edify the church and yourself, I also believe there are places and times where restraint should be used. The next morning on the Christian radio show, the DJs had people who attended the concert call in. Almost everyone who called in mentioned the distraction this woman was. If you know the music that the artists sing, they have some very worshipful songs. At one point the whole congregation was silent after the end of "I Can Only Imagine" by Mercy Me, except for this woman. Am I wrong to feel that she was out of place and this may have been the wrong time to speak in tongues? I don't think it is wrong to speak in tongues in public, but not to the point where it is a distraction and not edification. Help! Annoyed in Alabama Dear Mr. Alabama, Horace, the youngest son of our neighbors, Charles and Mildred Brownley, has always seemed to think he could get rich without working too hard. He was constantly signing up for multi-level, pyramid, get-rich-quick schemes and trying to get me (and anyone else who would listen to his speeches) to buy his products. Horace sold soap products, powdered milk products, weeks at vacation homes, knife sets, encyclopedias and who knows what else? Recently he was at my retirement home trying to sell interest in a new telephone scheme to all of us old people. “Within five years,” he told us as he paced in front of the fireplace in the community room, occasionally tripping over a wheelchair, “you’ll double or even triple your investment.” Who did he think we were? Young folks? Although I personally have a history of long term living, many of these people aren’t going to make it to spring, let alone five years! Many were offended and I don’t believe anyone gave him money. (At least I hope not!) Horace is annoyingly persistent. I’m certain he’ll be back again with something new. I really can’t fault his enthusiasm. He’s always so excited about the new idea and anxious to get everyone to buy it, not just because he’s trying to get our money, but because he honestly thinks each new gadget or product or idea is wonderful. When I read about your concert experience, I was reminded of Horace. I’m guessing that the lady who spoke in tongues during the concert was honestly excited about her experience and anxious to share it with others. Unfortunately, just like Horace, she didn’t consider her audience and caused them to turn away in distaste instead of enticing them to want what she had. So what can you do? Not much, actually, except to continue to live right and to reach out to people in your city in the slow, old fashioned, one-on-one way. Soul winning isn’t a get-them-saved-quick plan. It takes consistent prayer, friendship, encouragement, and being the salt of the earth that makes them thirsty for more of God¾not the acid that burns them. Sincerely Sincere, Gabby
ninetyandnine.com © 2003, ninetyandnine.com --------- Gabrigail VanBurden has been offering advice for longer than most of you have been alive. Email your practical Apostolic life questions to Gabby@ninetyandnine.com and be prepared for some straight answers! |
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