The Voice Of God

1 Corinthians 14:1-4

You should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy. (1 Corinthians 14:1)

PERHAPS A FEW OF THE EARLY Christian leaders claimed to prophesy. We can easily imagine apostles and writers of sacred texts assuming such a role. But that claim sounds awfully presumptuous for the rest of us. Who am I to speak for God? our humility might compel us to wonder about ourselves. Who are you to speak for God? our judgments might more pointedly compel us to question others. Whether we question ourselves or others, the role hardly seems to fit—except for one uncomfortable fact: Scripture assigns it to us. Paul urged his readers—all of them, not just a select few—to seek the ability to prophesy, and Peter urged his readers to speak as though they were uttering the words of God (1 Peter 4:11). Through his Word, the Spirit of God gives us permission, even the responsibility, to express his thoughts to those around us.

Regardless of how exhilarating or uncomfortable that makes us feel, it’s perfectly legitimate. There’s no need to go around saying, “Thus says the Lord . . .” In fact, there’s every reason not to do so. Even so, you are fully capable of speaking the heart of God into the lives of people around you. You may not know how to express his voice verbatim—that’s hardly the point, since he often communicates in pictures and illustrations anyway—but you can express his nature and his ministry clearly enough. You are given his Spirit and his revelation for a reason.

Use those gifts wisely. You are fallible and always carry the potential to be wrong. Christians throughout history have landed on the wrong side of culture wars and issue debates. But you also have the potential to be right—to seek the mind of Christ, to synchronize with God’s heartbeat, to receive wisdom from above. Sometimes you will be the only person in the room with access to heaven’s perspective. Express it humbly but confidently. Bless your world with glimpses of Kingdom truths.

{Lord, may I be known for walking in wisdom so that others seek my godly counsel. Give me a platform for expressing what’s on your mind and the credibility to be received. Let my words overflow with the encouragement and comfort of your heart. Amen.