Living with the Prophetic

There are many gifts. They are all crucial to the health of the body. All needed. All vital. It just so happens that I test out very high in two areas of gifting: administration and prophetic. I have had to learn to live with the prophetic gift. Living with an administrative gift is pretty easy. Usually an administratively gifted person is liked, welcomed and accepted. That isn't always the case with the prophetic gift. I don't claim to have all the answers about the prophetic gift. However, I have come to some conclusions as I have lived with this gift.

1. The prophetic gift is needed.
It seems that we live in an increasingly gray world. Everyone wants to do what they think is right and there doesn't seem to be any absolutes. In this type of environment, the prophetic voice is a rare treasure. Someone who can see things black and white can become a clear sound in very muddled choir of voices. I think folks are looking for that kind of sound. I know I am.

2. The prophetic gift is a hard gift to have.
Some desire the prophetic gift because they seem to have a bone to pick with folks and presently don't have the guts to confront. So the prophetic gift seems glamorous and cool and avenue to "speak your mind". However, I have discovered that this gift is difficult to live with at times. The reason that is the case is because people with this gift are usually tougher on themselves than they are on others. The tendency is to constantly beat yourself up. The finger pointed at others leaves 4 pointing back at you. No fun at times. The prophetic cuts both ways There have been times I have asked God to just leave me alone! I don't want to be the one who has to say that! A blessing and a curse.

3. The prophetic gift is often judged harshly.
I know folks who think anyone who operates in the prophetic is arrogant, insensitive, cold, politically incorrect, and heartless. Most prophetic people I know are broken in their heart when they are called on to deliver a tough message. Unfortunately, that brokenness just can't always be seen on their face or heard in their voice. Most of the prophetic people I know do their crying in private.

4. The prophetic gift can be frustrating.
When you can see something clearly and others can't, it can be frustrating to say the least. When it is so cut and dry, how can they waffle or fail to decide on a course of action? This gift can make your hair turn gray way too soon!

5. The prophetic gift is not an excuse to be rude.
I think we have often confused a rudeness with the genuine prophetic gift. There is no doubt that the prophetic gift demands bluntness and being straight forward. However, I have seen folks be down right rude in the name of being prophetic. I believe it is absolutely essential to remember that every gift that the Holy Spirit has given us is for the purpose of edification. It may cut away, but it will ultimately build up. There is a huge difference between being prophetic and just being a jerk! I have left services in which a popular "prophet" belittled people, demeaned people, and generally acted like nothing more than a school yard bully. That isn't prophetic, it's pathetic. If you want to know if someone is prophetic or a jerk, then just watch how they treat the sound man or support staff. Declare the Word of the Lord. Do it with power and without backing down, but do it with class and tact! Lack of manners shouldn't be mistaken for authority!

What is your experience with the prophetic?