WEIGHING PROPHETIC WORDS POSTED ONLINE

For those who have discounted social media for having any place in the process of weighing prophecies or holding ministers accountable, we have to acknowledge the realities of having an online audience. There is both a privilege and a cost in gaining a footprint online and influencing the masses.

Social media platforms are no longer just forms of entertainment, past times for boredom, or a place to sell products. Social media has become a viable ministry field for many in the Body of Christ. Regardless of the traps and abuses, social media provides opportunities to share the gospel unlike any other medium of our time. And just like any missionary endeavor, one who is called to an online platform can have a legitimate ministry that bears great fruit. It simply means that when teaching or prophesying online, a measure of the weighing of these messages must also happen online. Though primary accountability should always come from the home base regarding a minister’s personal integrity and biblical soundness, those who watch online also have a responsibility to engage and respond to what is posted.

But what scriptural guidelines can we use? What about leaders who’s messages affect thousands of people beyond their own geographic oversight? What about those who promote various teachings or prophetic revelations that influence a global audience? The early church had no precedent for this. Biblical directives given for teaching the Word and operating in the spiritual gifts are always in a local setting. Nothing is mentioned about having a virtual audience of unseen millions. What other scriptural directives might work?

1 Corinthians 14:29 states, “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said.” This is the protocol for testing prophetic words in the fellowship of believers. We know this not only protects the church from any error, but may in fact, deepen and enrich the word through additional insight and revelation from other prophetic voices. To weigh any message shouldn’t be seen as a negative response, or even disciplinary measure. It actually serves to sharpen our senses, deepen our discernment, and draw us closer to the heart and mind of Christ. And those who give such words or messages should actually welcome this kind of feedback. It’s iron sharpening iron.

And the implication in this particular verse is that it starts with peer review by other leaders.

There are still some who believe that any online commentary questioning the veracity of either a message or a messenger, is inappropriate. Due to emotional reactions and heated chats, many want to avoid controversy by simply scrolling past anything they don’t like or agree with. Worse yet, we have fallen into a trap of gauging the validity of a word to how many “Likes” it gets. We assume if there are enough “amens” posted in the comments, or enough views to a video, it must be true! But what if it isn’t? What if a word posted to thousands of people is wrong, biased, or even a mixture of truth and error?

To other leaders online – what is our responsibility in “weighing in” on what is being preached and prophesied online? We have been told it should only be done behind closed doors. But, though there may be a precedent for face-to-face process when bringing a personal accusation, there is equal precedent in processing in the open where the influence has potentially massive impact.

Yes, this can get sticky. But my point in bringing this up is to change the narrative about social media posting. Rather than seeing it as an evil to avoid, we must see it as an opportunity for growth. We each have a responsibility in how we post online. All of us will be held to account for every word spoken – and written. Leaders, even more so. And perhaps one of the reasons we are now having to deal with so much fallout in the prophetic movement is because we haven’t realized the potency of online ministry. It is valid and it is viable. The question is, how to do it in a way that exhibits the very standards we are calling for.

I’ve personally seen my share of haters and hackers who aren’t really interested in the message as much as in killing the messenger. And we should certainly avoid gossip, slander, and comments made to ridicule or degrade. Even so, I believe those who get a steady diet of spiritual food from social media should take more ownership in testing what is said. Here are just a few guidelines that might make the process less destructive and more productive:

• Use Scripture as the basis for disagreement and not just personal opinion.
• Avoid judgment based on your own experiences or perceptions.
• Seek to appeal to those who disagree instead of voicing immediate dissent.
• Be kind, regardless of how others react.
• Refuse to quarrel or name call as it will lessen your credibility.
• Keep an open heart and mind and consider that you might be the one to change.
• Remember that all will be held to account for words spoken and posted.

(Matthew 12:36-37; Galatians 6:1-5; 2 Timothy 2:14-18, 24-26; Titus 3:2; 1 Peter 3:15)

Certainly social media will continue to be used as a meaningful way to connect with friends and family. And not every teaching or prophetic word will carry equal weight. But for those who consistently feed off of online ministers, let’s be more thoughtful about what we’re taking in and carefully weigh what is said before simply signing off with a thumbs up.