American Prophetic

 It’s easy to see why the modern-day prophetic movement, and I use that term in the loosest way possible, is so ripe for mockery and skepticism. When your brand ambassadors are a pink-haired lady who wants Tammy Faye looks but doesn’t have Tammy Faye money and a guy who looks like an extra from an ill-conceived biker/vampire movie, awkward glances, and arched eyebrows are a given.

Not being one to judge a book by its cover unless the cover is of Fabio bare-chested on a pirate ship, I could overlook the cringe factor when it comes to wardrobe choice and hair color if any of the things these modern-day seers into the great beyond have said had actually come to pass.

We throw titles around loosely nowadays, marrying words that ought not to have ever been in the same sentence, like honest politicians. It diminishes both the title and the integrity of the English language.

One word that is exceedingly overused in Christian circles is prophet. Nowadays, you run the risk of tripping over a prophet or two just stepping outside your front door. I know what you’re thinking ‘how will we know they’re a prophet?’, well, they’ll be sure to tell you, over and over again, and some will even insist you call them by the title.

I’m guessing some of these individuals looked around and came to the conclusion that if a man can demand you call them a woman because they think they are, the same demands can be made regarding being called a prophet. Just because you think you are something or want to be something does not make it so. I can think I’m skinny until I try to stuff my pudgy carcass into a pair of skinny jeans. The same goes for wishing it were so or wanting it really bad.

So, as a public service, let me go through a few things you should be wary of regarding individuals who call themselves prophets or insist on being named a prophet. Why now? Because this is an issue that will only grow in relevance as evil men and imposters will wax worse and worse.

If the individual does not point the way to Christ and insists upon repentance, no matter who they are, you may have just crossed paths with a deceiver or an impostor.

If the individual, no matter who they are, cannot definitively say ‘thus says the Lord’ but goes into feelings, impressions, senses, and other such pabulum, you may have just crossed paths with a deceiver or an impostor.

If the individual, no matter who they are, attempts to exert authority over you using their so-called prophetic calling or tries in some way to profit from you, you may have just crossed paths with a deceiver or an impostor.

If the individual, no matter who they are, sets a date upon which a particular thing will happen, and it is not so, you may have just crossed paths with a deceiver or an impostor.

I understand how powerful a draw confirmation bias is. I also know how it can be used to manipulate the sheep of God’s pasture toward nefarious ends. Biblically speaking, prophecy is not supposed to be a vehicle to boost your self-esteem or a cheering section as to how great you are doing. I’ve heard one too many ‘you are the apple of my eye’ prophecies in my day, as well as ‘I know you’ve fallen short, but that’s okay’ revelations. True prophecy will never contradict the Word of God or give license to practices the Bible clearly condemns. True prophecy warns of future events, calls to repentance, and chastens in love. More could be said, but I’m getting wordy, and my kids are about to wake up.

With love in Christ,

Michael Boldea, Jr.