Healthy debate gone too far?

A good friend told me that I shouldn't touch this subject with a ten foot pole. However, this has been a bit of a soap box issue of mine for some time now & I feel like it's time to open the floodgates of conversation.

What do you think of when I say the word...Tongues? A valid spiritual gift? A dead spiritual gift? Gene Simmons? I realize that within the body of Christ, there are about as many differing opinions on this subject as grains of sand on the beach. I'm okay with that. In fact, at this moment, God hasn't granted me that gift. No matter. The point at hand here, is someone's PRIVATE relationship with Christ.

This really all came to a head for me a few months ago when I heard of the IMB adding new guidelines for their prospective missionary candidates. One of which states:

“In terms of general practice, the majority of Southern Baptists do not accept what is referred to as ‘private prayer language,’” the policy states. “Therefore, if ‘private prayer language’ is an ongoing part of his or her conviction and practice, the candidate has eliminated himself or herself from being a representative of the IMB of the SBC.

Let me be clear in saying this, I believe the IMB is doing wonderful things for the kingdom. I just don't believe they, or anyone for that matter, has the right to dictate how one worships in their private walk with the Lord.

"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." - Matthew 6:6

As recent as last month, Dwight McKissic, a trustee of Southwestern Theological Seminary, endorsed "private prayer languages" during a chapel service. Go here for more on that service. As a general practice, the seminary posts its chapel messages on their website. However, this specific message was not posted.

"...though most of Reverand McKissic's message represented a position with which most people at Southwestern would be comfortable, Rev. McKissic's interpretation of tongues...is not a position that we suspect would be advocated by most faculty or trustees."

I understand their view. I really do! I just don't understand why they felt the need to censor the distribution of his message. It's not like we haven't heard what it was about through other means.

The bottom line for me is this, who are we to say what mysteries God may choose to reveal to us in private? These intimate times with the Lord should reveal to us a more personal Savior. Otherwise, why would He have commanded us to go into our rooms and "close the door". When will we get it that it's about Christ!? How long before all our man made walls come crashing down?

LET THE FLOODGATES OPEN!