Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning. I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism. Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. —1 Timothy 5:20-22
God has mercy on weak vessels and will manifest His gifts through them even when things are not totally right inside. But don’t be deceived. This will not go on forever. It’s like a dog on a long leash. He can chase after a cat to a limit, but eventually and suddenly, he’ll come to the end of the leash. Some of God’s people have been displayed as examples that He is patient with their sin and that His gifts are without repentance. Others are examples of another fact—that God eventually calls His servants to give account of their stewardship. God’s disciplines are manifest more openly to this group, and it causes us to fear God. The message for prophets, leaders, and church people is this: God’s gifts are freely given as a sign of His mercy, not His approval. Don’t disdain valid spiritual gifts manifested through spiritually immature people. But also, do not be fooled by God’s grace and patience with prophetic vessels who remain anointed for a season as they continue in their carnality. Eventually He will call us all to account as stewards of the gifts He has entrusted to us.
{ PRAYER STARTER }
Father, teach me to focus on You, the giver of gifts, rather than on the gifts themselves. Make me a good steward of Your revelation, and help me to leave the judging of others to You.
God’s gifts are freely given as a sign
of His mercy, not His approval.
