RESPONSIBILITY IN PROPHECYby Pam Clark
A baby Christian may only know that one needs to accept Jesus to get saved and delivered from sins and that one needs to be baptized in water, and if that is the extent of their faith, with great accuracy, they may prophesy that to another person. If they know a little more about the basics of the Christian walk, they may be able to prophesy a little more in those areas. A baby Christian who gets saved may have the office calling of prophet upon their lives, or the gift of prophecy desiring to come forth, but they still can only prophesy according to the measure of the faith they can stand in. It is highly unlikely they will prophesy the deeper truths of God on a regular basis without a more solid foundation. There are times that God will give "words" to people to comfort, encourage and exhort them but these words are not to take or replace the directive authority of God in that person's life. Often, if someone has developed their Christian life in a way that brings forth good, strong and wonderful words, people want to lean on these people for their divine directives. They can't, because the Spirit of God desires interactive personal relationship with Him, not other human beings standing in His place. Often people will revere their leaders, but then have a personal crisis when their leader fails or "misses it." Some get into contests as to who has the greater leader! This is not God's Plan! There also seems to be a contest with some, as to "How accurate is that prophet?" I have heard prophets described in percentages, like a 50% or 70% or 100% prophet, as if there is such a thing. Of course we appreciate it when a person has a good and accurate word for our lives, and it can be very hard on us if we receive an insufficient, misunderstood or even false word. Accuracy of information is not always a sign the word is from God or even signs and wonders, because what matters is the fruit of Godly life. People can be quick to label others false prophets on things that they do not understand. Some words can be spoken in a symbolic manner, or in the "Christianese" language, and a new believer may not have a clue as to what it means and may only be able to guess the meaning because of where they are in their understanding. Those prophecies can be misunderstood. Sometimes people will prophesy future callings or ministries and the person doesn't have any idea the price that goes along with that ministry calling. Often timing is a factor that is not understood. Some, sad to say, prophesy out of flesh desires, which is very common in this day of accepting the prophetic giftings, and therefore the words can be inaccurate or a mixture. If we put our faith in the prophecy more than the Word of God and Spirit of God, we likely will be disappointed. When people compare prophets and prophecies as to their accuracy, they may not understand the symbolism, the timing, or the price to be paid, or even understand that some words are warnings meant to bring forth Godly repentance. (We have Jonah as that example.) Romans 12:6-8 "Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness." It is obvious from this passage that all of ministry carries a maturing and developing process. 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 "Charity [or Love] never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part [or in just a portion only] shall be done away." All the gifts are to lead us to Jesus and into dynamic relationship with Him. All the gifts should be conforming us into His image and likeness before the Father. It becomes obvious that all the gifts need to carry a measure and portion of grace, too. Some people want to deny portions thinking the full portion will magically appear. It doesn't work that way! We need "the parts" and the process to make the whole! False prophecies are designed to make you turn away from God. The enemy will also work to make the Christian misunderstand, as Jesus explained in the Parable of the Sower -- that he will come "immediately to steal the Word" that will help you, by confusing you or causing you not to discern it. Another area where people misunderstand prophetic words is failing to understand the creative desires of God. If people are willing and obedient, God has a multitude of good ideas and plans to supplement our lives with His goodness and love. But not everyone is willing or will stay obedient, so these creative plans of God cannot come to full fruition. God may have a wonderful plan for a family but if members compromise, the good plan of God cannot come to pass as God would like to bless! There is a Sovereign Plan of God where His principles and ultimate purposes will not fail. The flesh will get political with the gifts of God and seek its own or demonic power. But there is a Sovereign Plan of God that will endure beyond man's and Satan's plan and will promise, by the Incorruptible Seed deposited within when one has been born again, and through nurturing that Seed, will bring His good and perfect and sovereign will for you to pass for you. You water and nurture that Seed for your maturity through prayer in your Spirit language and in your understanding, through putting the Word of God in your mind and heart, and through exercising your faith through good deeds and works. Just as tree trunks grow strong weathering storms, so will you become strong in your Spiritual life. As you mature, good fruit will come forth for you as well as others. All the gifts, including the prophetic gifts, demand responsibility and understanding. 1 Th 5:19-22 "Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil."
Pam Clark Prophetic Ministries Web Site: http://www.prophetic.net |