Should We Be Focused More on Tongues or Fruit?

[Michael The Disciple]

Originally Posted by BalancedLife

So this is my first thread but this is a topic that has plagued me for some time now. Let it be known that I whole-heartedly agree for one to receive the Holy Spirit they must have the initial sign of speaking in another tongue. My issue is most teaching throughout the oneness movement focuses more on making sure we are continually "speaking in tongues" but little on the signs of the fruit of the Spirit being active in our lives.

Personally, we have a lack of teaching to mature the saints and to teach them to live a life filled with the fruits of the Spirit. We hear teaching that says as long as someone comes up and speaks in tongues at the altar that they received a touch from the Lord. But did they really? Jesus cursed the fig tree because from a distance it appeared to be bearing fruit but as he came closer no fruit was found. Are we guilty of possessing a look from afar of having fruit but closer examination reveals that we have none?

So what is your experience or your opinion on the matter?

I fully agree there is a great lack of true teaching. There is a lot of false teaching. When one follows error he will not bear fruit. So having the truth taught is very important. To keep the Lords commands is very important.

There seems to be very little focus on this. Yet praying in tongues is not opposed to walking in obedience. Rather it promotes a stronger walk with God. Now if one speaks/prays in tongues but takes no heed to obedience will he grow in Christ? No. Will he even be saved? Certainly not.

Lets take the whole counsel of God!

[BalancedLife]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

I fully agree there is a great lack of true teaching. There is a lot of false teaching. When one follows error he will not bear fruit. So having the truth taught is very important. To keep the Lords commands is very important.

There seems to be very little focus on this. Yet praying in tongues is not opposed to walking in obedience. Rather it promotes a stronger walk with God. Now if one speaks/prays in tongues but takes no heed to obedience will he grow in Christ? No. Will he even be saved? Certainly not.

Lets take the whole counsel of God!

I agree with you and do not diminish the command to pray in the Holy Ghost. That is where great intercession is made when we utter things we do not understand but the Spirit knows.

My concern is that Paul said you can speak with tongues of men and angels but if love is not in you, you are worth nothing. Love is the fruit of the Spirit and it must be taught. We must teach balance of praying in the Holy Ghost which edifies the one speaking but the fruit of the Spirit edifies Him and brings more attention about Christ to the one who is a recipient of the fruit. Thanks for your insights!


God bless