Quote Originally Posted by Romeyo07
But why so much emphasis on receiving it? The Pentecostal church puts too much emphasis on having this gift, when clearly Paul says there are so many more useful gifts than that one. Being raised Pentecostal and now looking back, I've found what I've just stated to be all too true in every Pentecostal church I've been to.

There isn't a spiritual "benchmark" to hit before you receive a gift. If someone can speak in tongues, it doesn't prove him or her no more closer to God than another. You might want to reconsider your feelings on that.
Youre correct. The Bible indicates that tongues is the "least" of the gifts.
I have pentecostal loved ones and their churches all place great emphasis on this. Every pentecostal church I have ever had contact with seems to follow the same vein.

And your also correct I think in stating that tongues isnt a spiritual benchmark. To regard it as such TOTALLY IGNORES the purpose for the gifts given in Scripture. This is where churches err. In most churches the purpose is never fulfilled.
It is instead a "ritual" based upon personal feelings and emotions. Because of this you will get a serious emotional response if you approach this subject.
People are too willing to base their faith upon feelings rather then the explicit plain Word of God.