5 SCRIPTURAL VALUES IN EVALUATING PROPHETIC VOICES
Here are the 5 things I look for when evaluating prophetic voices:
GODLY CHARACTER (Ps 24:3-4, Phil 2:3):
Demonstrates humility of heart, void of ego and self-promotion. Demonstrates purity of spirit in repenting quickly and pursuing holiness at all costs. Reflects integrity in both their personal lives and public ministry.
GROUNDED IN SCRIPTURE (2 Tim 2:15-17, Ps 1:1-2):
Correctly handles the Word of God with sound (orthodox Christian) doctrine and interpretation. Consistently follows scriptural standards and protocols when challenged or corrected. Demonstrates ongoing pursuit of truth and love for the Word of God.
SERVANT LEADERSHIP (1 Tim 3:2-7, Mark 10:43-45):
Has a reputation for serving others, starting at home with their own family and local church. Demonstrates a sincere love for the whole Body of Christ, even those they disagree with. Seeks to build up others for the purpose of unifying our faith and maturing us into Christ.
AUTHENTIC PROPHETIC ANOINTING (2 Peter 1:21, Eph 1:17-19):
Demonstrates Spirit-inspired prophetic gifting that is free of compromise or mixture (quantity of words does not qualify – only accurate ones). Messages carry purity of revelation without embellishment, exaggeration, or vain repetition. Carries spiritual authority in aligning with both the Word and Spirit of Truth.
TRACK RECORD (Matt 7:17-20, 1 Cor 14:29-33, Acts 17:11):
Demonstrates consistent accuracy of interpretation and application of revelations received. Consistently produces good fruit that matures the saints and builds up the Church. Shows teachability and willingness to be corrected by inviting consistent accountability and oversight, both locally and beyond.
For New Testament prophets, all of these values should fit within the overall job description of a Jesus-appointed leader as defined in Ephesians 4:11-15.
“And He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God… to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-15 ESV).
According to this definition, a valid prophetic voice will seek, first and foremost, to equip the saints for the work of ministry and bring them into maturity of the faith – not just produce appealing words.
Perhaps this short checklist might be a start in deepening and broadening our spiritual discernment. Both message and messenger must be weighed, and in some cases, a leader may fall short in one area, but excel in another. Can we recognize which values are the most critical for the health of the Body? How could this checklist be improved? How would your own favorite prophets “add up” with this checklist?
