One of the most prevelant gifts of the Spirit is that of speaking in tongues. In the LDS Topical Guide under the topic “Holy Ghost, Gifts of,” one of the most, if not the most prevelant gift of the Spirit discussed is that of speaking in tongues. I counted seven scriptures in the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price that talk about speaking in tongues in the Topical Guide.
Reading these scriptures (especially the one in 2 Nephi 31:13 that talks about speaking with the “tongue of angels”) reminded me of a talk given in General Conference last year by Jeffery Holland called “The Tongue of Angels.” I love this talk and I recommend reading it. As I read it again today, this small section of his talk impressed me:
“In all of this, I suppose it goes without saying that negative speaking so often flows from negative thinking, including negative thinking about ourselves. We see our own faults, we speak—or at least think—critically of ourselves, and before long that is how we see everyone and everything. No sunshine, no roses, no promise of hope or happiness. Before long we and everybody around us are miserable.”
I have struggled at times in my life with negative thinking about myself and have found that when I have negative thoughts about myself it trickles into other areas of my life such as negative thoughts about others, society, God, my family, the church, other churches, work, God, etc…and pretty soon I’m looking at everything in a negative and depressed state. I want to share with anyone who may be able to benefit from this and may be struggling with negativity in their lives. The following things have helped me (and continue to help me) overcome negativity:
1. Remember what it felt like when I was positive.
For me, this is the first step…much like Alma’s talk in Alma 32 about having a desire to believe. I must have a desire to become more positive and remembering what it felt like being positive helps me.
2. Trace my thoughts back to where I first started thinking negatively.
Most of us have heard the Proverb “as he (or she) thinketh so is he (or she)”. I’ve found that many of my problems can be traced back to negative thoughts about myself and others. Thoughts (negative and positive) are like seeds and they’ll grow. This can be good if it is a positive thought, but if it’s a negative thought we’ll want to catch them before they grow too big. If I think a negative thought about something or someone long enough eventually I’ll act on it either by something I’ll say or do. If I feel down or if I’m saying things or doing things in a negative way, I’ve found that most of the time I can trace my actions back to a negative thought.
3. Once I’ve identified the negative thought, replace it with a positive thought or something else uplifting
About a year ago, I was having some problems with negative thoughts. One of my friends suggested some cds by James Cox called “Becoming Spiritually Centered.” I HIGHLY recommend these to anyone who may be struggling with depressive or negative thoughts. Listening to these and applying the lessons has greatly helped me. I found that when I traced my thoughts back to an original negative thought and then identified something to replace it with when it popped in my head again, I was able to gradually over time become a more positive thinker.
4. Keep a journal
This is kind of in conjunction with number 2, but for me, it is very helpful to get all the negative thoughts out into a journal. Once they’re all out there I can then identify ways to combat the negative thoughts.
5. Pray for strength
I want you to know that God will answer your prayers and help you. I’m very grateful for this in my life.
6. Talk with good friends, family, and spouse
If I’m struggling, I’ve found that talking with friends, family and spouse is very helpful. Rather than hiding things and trying to cover them up. If they (family and friends) know you struggle with negativity I’ve found they’re more likely to help and it’s good to have support.
7. Avoid Comparing myself to others
When I’m feeling down if I compare myself to other people who seem to never be down, I get even more frustrated and hard on myself. Comparing myself to myself and my own personal goals are essential to progressing in a more positive course.
8. Always keep trying
Overcoming negativity/depressive thoughts can be a difficult thing. It takes time and effort. I’ve found that patience and practice makes perfect…well, I’m not perfect, but you get the idea : )
It has been my experience that as I’ve learned to control my negative thoughts I become more receptive to the Holy Ghost. As I open myself up to more positive thinking and the Gifts of the Holy Ghost, I find my words and thoughts about myself, others, and the world around me are closer to what Elder Holland and other prophets are referring to by “speaking with the tongue of angels.”
I know this is somewhat of a personal topic, but if you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts on what has helped you overcome negativity and be able to have better dialogue with yourself and others, I think there are many people who could benefit from this. If you don’t feel comfortable sharing, I hope this helps you and you can share this with others.
18 comments
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March 29, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Dan
Nice post. I was at an LDS based writer’s conference a few weeks ago. One of the presenters suggested, and I believe correctly so, that the ability to write is a gift of the Spirit and falls under the category of the gift of tongues.
Along those lines, you use the gift of tongues very well.
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March 29, 2008 at 7:36 pm
ama49
Thanks for the compliment, Dan! I appreciate it.
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March 29, 2008 at 8:19 pm
J. Stapley
I think what you have written is true and helpful. Elder Holland’s use of “the tongue of angels” in his address is also an interesting look into Mormon conceptions of the gift of tongues. I don’t really have any problem with associating this gift with Missionaries, writing, or general discourse. It is important to remember, however, that for all the early Mormons (up until the early twentieth-century) the gift of tongues was a charismatic manifestation of the spirit, when a church member would either prophecy, sing, or bless in an unknown language.
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March 30, 2008 at 8:17 pm
ama49
#3
Thanks for your comments. That is a good point to bring up about the gift of tongues. Why do you think in the last century you don’t see LDS members prophecying, singing, etc. in another language during services anymore?
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March 30, 2008 at 10:52 pm
J. Stapley
I don’t think there any particular certainty yet, though there was a significant generational shift where certain manifestations of charisma were frowned upon. After the death of the original pioneers, there was a substantive change away from such things. Often times people apply Weber’s idea of the “routinization of charisma,” which I think is fair. Thomas Alexander’s volume, Mormonism in Transition is a handy reference for this period.
Sorry for the threadjack.
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March 31, 2008 at 3:59 am
Jared
I enjoyed your post. It lifted my spirits. You offered important advice that needs to be practiced daily.
Controlling or guiding our thoughts when they tend to gravitate towards the natural man is part of living our religion. I think we inherit a natural tendency (genetically) to be optimistic or pessimistic. Your practical advice in this post is well thought out.
I suggest eating and exercise be added to your list. We are what we eat. As for exercise, it releases those things chemically we need to be at our best mentally and emotionally.
Your post brought to mind this scripture:
But I am like as yourselves, subject to all manner of infirmities in body and mind…
(Book of Mormon | Mosiah 2:11)
Thanks
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April 5, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Points of interest « Mind, Soul, and Body
[…] Grace for Grace, a fresh take on the gift on tongues, learning to speak with the tongue of angels starting with positive mental outlook with some great […]
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April 8, 2008 at 2:17 am
Terry Foraker
Just came across your blog today. Thanks so much for this post, as it touches on some things that have been very close to my heart. (I expressed some of these in a recent article at http://www.ldsmag.com/journey/080401canary.html)
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June 17, 2008 at 4:04 pm
10 Steps to Overcoming Anxiety and Depression Without Medication « Grace for Grace
[…] Proverbs 23:7 says: “as he (or she) thinks in his (or her) heart, so is he (or she)”. This is very true. I think this is something all of us will be working on throughout our lives. However, learning to control our thoughts is essential. I wrote another post a couple months ago on how to overcome negative thoughts and provided a few techniques I use. The post is called “The Gifts of the Spirit: Overcoming Negative Thoughts and Speaking with the Tongue of Angels&… […]
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September 15, 2008 at 4:35 am
Eric Zacharias
Your words on having a positive attitude were excellent, Ama, and worthy of close attention.Kindly, however, I point out that this has nothing to do with speaking in tongues. I don’t say this as a downer or to be negative. 🙂
It was very interesting to learn about the pentecostal nature of early Mormons. I was not aware of that; but it does walk in step with Mormonism’s belief that revelation is progressive. In fact, now that I think about it, it’s a wonder that there is not a prevalence of literal “speaking in tongues” in the Mormon community. Are there pockets of pentecostal Mormons in the United States? Or, was there ever a declaration that prophecy would only come from the president of the Mormon Church?
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September 15, 2008 at 4:45 am
ama49
#10 Eric,
Good questions…I’m not sure I have the answer for. I’d say as a whole pentecostal Mormons do not exist as they did in the early days. Whenever we hear of speaking in tongues it is always learning languages or speaking prophesy…also, I”m not the expert on it, but I could do some digging around.
There isn’t declaration that prophecy comes only from the prophet. We each have ability to prophecy for those in our sphere of jurisdiction. For example, a father can prophecy for his family or a bishop for the congregation, etc. The prophet receives general revelation for the church and where the church should take direction but each individual has the ability to receive personal revelation for themselves and those whom they have stewardship over.
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September 24, 2008 at 2:18 pm
ama
#10 Eric,
One of my friends gave me a link to the history of speaking in tongues in Mormonism. It is pretty interesting and explains why it was phased out eventually. Here’s the link:
http://content.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/jmh&CISOPTR=16037&CISOSHOW=15851
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September 25, 2008 at 5:13 am
Mormon Heretic
Eric,
I just want to mention that Paul tells us to “Covet to prophesy” in the Bible. We should all be trying to be worthy of this gift.
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September 26, 2008 at 12:08 am
prosperstudentcare
I believe Your blog helps many people. I have refered family to this blog.
Thank you
Devin Willis
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September 26, 2008 at 3:39 am
ama49
#14 Devin
Thanks for stopping by. I’m glad some of what I write is helping people out there. I stopped by your site as well and it looks like you’re doing a great job of helping people with their finances.
Take care!
Aaron
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October 6, 2012 at 10:29 pm
mary
this has help i got major anxiety drepession i try to get help gonna be hard but iam working on it iam waiting till monday cause i dont lnow where to turn for help seems like theapy dont like to call back when you leave messeags
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October 7, 2012 at 5:44 pm
Cal
Hi Mary,
Are you a Christian?
Reading the Bible daily and praying daily does wonders.
Be assured that God and his Son, Jesus, love you immensely. He is lovingly watching you every moment and hears everything you say every minute of every day. He feels what you feel.
And with the love of God that he put in my heart, I love you, too. I’ll pray for you.
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September 6, 2014 at 10:09 am
soniabellani
Reblogged this on My Blog.
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