As a person who actually doesn’t have my head in the sand, I pay close attention to anyone who calls themselves a “Prophet” or any other title for that matter.
It has always been that way with me. When someone boasted themself to be some great somebody, I always asked a lot of questions. Questions I might ask are, “Who told you you were that?” Or I might ask, “Is this something God has called you to do?” The answers come in a variety of ways. More often than not they give a very vague answer, which leaves me to doubt if they really knew why they said what they did or went by a certain title.
Let me boldly state I do believe there are many “gifts” in the Body of Christ. Those gifts many times are more than just preaching, teaching, or singing. There is not enough time or space to write the number of gifts I have seen people use for the purposes of God. Anytime anyone is obeying their calling, they are to be commended. Often these callings are without accolades and can be quite difficult and even dangerous.
As a believer, it is my duty to lift up those who are shouldering great responsibilities within the Kingdom of God. If I can help them in some way, then I should always try to.
In the last half century, especially since the invention of the Internet, many have seen a golden opportunity to get in front of millions more people for little or no money. Every day it seems to be more and more prevalent. While I personally think the Internet and social media can be great tools for spreading the gospel, there are many charlatans out there who also take advantage of it.
One need to only get on social media for a little while every day, and you will see a barrage of “prophets” and “seers.” From what I have observed, it looks like they watch the world and national news each evening, and by the next morning they are responding to it with great and glorious predictions. Sadly, almost nothing they say comes true.
As someone who believes wholeheartedly in the prophetic, it grieves my spirit to see so many getting on popular social media and make predictions that don’t happen. Yet, no one seems to be calling their hand to it. I have decided that I will speak up!
While I won’t call any names, I’ve come to the conclusion that these charlatans will continue their antics until there is no more fame or fortune to be gained from it. This is sad but true!
One of the things I’ve also noticed is that the more followers they get, the more “far out” their predictions are. And if that doesn’t excite their followers, they will begin to do strange things to their hair or wear clothing that will make them stand out in the crowd. (Two I saw have died their hair strange colors, and another has begun to carry a staff. These few are some of the ones who might as well be a tinkling cymbal as far as I’m concerned!)
All I can say about some of them is that “God must be a merciful God to put up with some of it!” He must be a loving God to have these false prophets and showmen get up and make a mockery of true prophecy. God will allow this for a season, and then He’ll put a stop to it. Then perhaps the true prophets will come forth and actually bring glory to God.
I have some simple advice for those of you who hang on every word from some of these people. It is advice from the Bible itself. The Bible says, “try the spirits to see if they be from God.” If these people are not bringing God all the glory and are in any way trying to draw attention to themselves, you best get your hat and run! But if these people are humbly using their prophetic gifts making sure that God receives the glory, then listen to them. Greater truth will be there.
The chicanery that we witness every day on the Internet from hirelings and those who are getting fabulously wealthy will soon come to an end. Their demise will be great, and many who put their confidence in these charlatans will feel betrayed and foolish for believing in them. Again, my advice to you in this day and age is to seek first the Kingdom of God and HIS righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you! This includes truth, true prophecy, and peace and contentment that can only come from Holy Spirit. And as always, pray for these who abuse the airways that God would convict them and make true prophets out of them!
Garry Lovette is an author and counselor whose articles are seen in more than 135 countries of the world. To comment about his article, or to learn more about him, visit www.theawakened1.com
