Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. —1 Timothy 4:16
One of the most surprising and enlightening things I share with conservative evangelical pastors is that there are people with valid gifts of the Spirit who are themselves still carnal. This challenges a commonly held idea that it is greater truth, wisdom, and character that produce greater power. Many think that only godly, mature people are used by God in demonstrations of power, but there are many exceptions. What is often surprising to both charismatic and noncharismatic pastors is that people can express valid gifts of the Spirit, yet have some pretty significant hang-ups and unresolved issues in their lives. Many leaders have assumed that if there is a definite flaw in a person’s doctrine, wisdom, or character, then that is proof positive that the gifts and power in their ministries must not really be from God after all.
{ PRAYER STARTER }
Father, You have determined to give Your spiritual gifts to imperfect, human individuals. Help me to understand that Your words and messages may be given through vessels of clay, imperfect people who may not always have the ability to speak with clarity.
Prophetic people must be clear about
major doctrines, but on lesser
points of doctrine, they
might be misinformed.
