But the men were visibly moved, they released the missionary, led him back to the trail from which they had taken him, and sent him away. This seems like a genuine example of the work of the Holy Spirit. We would advise restraint on the part of any who want to claim that the gift of tongues in necessary for the spiritual person. In both lists of gifts, in verses 8-10 and 28, he lists the gift of tongues last. This would also suggest that no one should be discouraged because he does not have the gift.
Some groups claim to have discovered procedures by which any believer can obtain spiritual gifts.
And psychologists agree, that under the spell of excited emotions strange things can happen, even without any supernatural power. We must also remember that demons do try to counterfeit the work of the Holy Spirit, and an excited seeker may be deceived into thinking he has received a spiritual gift when he has not. We must point out too that over-concern about the visible manifestation of spiritual gifts may lead to seeking them as an end in themselves, and may divert the seeker's attention from the real hallmark of spirituality, which is obedience. There is danger that in overenthusiastic concern for the visible manifestation of spiritual gifts, men may neglect the clearly expressed will of God. I remember an incident in which a member of a group that was much concerned with spiritual gifts had done something which seemed to me a clear violation of a certain Scripture.