“Every human life is an individual masterpiece; a self-portrait of God, hidden in the very DNA of their design! This is what Jesus came to reveal and redeem; the image of God in “you” man form, not as in a display window, but as in a mirror!” Francois Du Toit
Far too often the prophetic language of the Kingdom is seen as something too mystical for the average person. Particularly as it is applied toward those who seem more sensitive to things of the spirit or tend to be more creative in the way they think, see, or discern the world around them.
For example you might have heard someone referred to as ‘real or very prophetic’. Which just means that they’re often able to discern more about a situation than is readily perceived by someone else. You also might hear people referred to in the opposite vernacular, such as ‘she/he is about as prophetic as a brick wall’. This would imply that the person being talked about shows no indication of having any sensitivity to the prophetic language of the Kingdom at all.
But actually neither scenario is an accurate assumption of what may be taking place. Yes there are people born with a more highly developed sense of the spirit realm than others, just as there are those who appear to see the world more analytically. Yet to elevate or dismiss one over the other or to imply that one person is more highly gifted than another is to despise the very nature of Christ Himself.
For a clear understanding of any situation ALL the gifts must be present. Otherwise it doesn’t matter how sensitive someone is to the prophetic language of the Kingdom, they will only ever possess one part of the picture – never the whole itself. As the Apostle Paul pointed out in his letter to the Corinthian church (1 Cor. 12:1-27), every gift working together for the benefit of the whole – never one more exalted than another.
One gift may bring light to a situation while another will minister to the emotions of the individual(s). Another gift may bring clarity to what is being ‘seen’, while another will help to outline a plan of action.
Example: Mary Jane walks into a room carrying a tray on which sits a tea-pot, cups, saucers, spoons, creamer and sugar. No sooner does she cross the threshold than she trips and falls, spilling the tray and its contents across the room. It will take all the following gifts to see the situation clearly.
*Prophetic – sees/feels any spiritual implications such as demonic activity, fear, anxiety or past traumas.
Servant – sees a need and immediately steps in to help with the clean up.
Teacher – feels compelled to explain to Mary the spiritual applications seen by the prophetic, as well as how to keep from tripping with a tray full of tea-things again.
Exhorter – looks for ways to make Mary feel better about herself/situation – particularly after the inferences made by the prophetic person and or the teacher.
Ruler – possibly coordinates the other gifts. Likes to empower others. Is already in charge of several projects but would consider working with the prophetic, teacher and exhorter to develop a company that made it safer to carry tea trays.
Giver – a resource for either financing the safe tea-tray company or buying Mary a new tea set if they believe it’s a good investment.
Mercy – will be the one sitting on the floor with Mary. Their main concern is Mary herself and may become frustrated with the others for not caring enough or for being what they perceive as insensitive.
The above is a loose interpretation of the gifts in operation but should be enough to let you see how each gift only sees in part, and if left to themselves is less likely to minister to the whole person. Some will minister to Mary’s intellect while others will minister to her will and emotions. This is why it is vital that you don’t see one gift being more special or more spiritual than another. Everyone possesses all seven to some degree or another so that at any given time you and I can always be ministers of the heart and mind of God.
*Taken from Arthur Burk’s Redemptive Gifts
Activation
You were created with a need to be loved, to be significant and to be affirmed. That’s why real humility is not denying those needs, but recognizing that they are totally met in the eyes and heart of Abba God. And part of that journey of recognition is understanding how Father made you – the unique image of Jesus that He put in you that best represents God to heaven and earth.
If you don’t know which of the gifts mentioned above best represents you there are lots of tools available to help you learn and understand (such as the hyperlink attached to ‘Redemptive Gifts’). But these tools, apart from the Father’s love, are just tools and they will not really teach you how they were designed to express Abba’s loving kindness to others. For that there is only the Father, the power in the name of Jesus and Holy Spirit.
When Paul wrote to the church in Corinth (1 Cor. 12,13) and told them about the different gifts and how he felt that the gift of prophecy was better than speaking in tongues (notice he didn’t say not to speak in tongues, only that it benefited no one but the one doing it) he warned them that even if he had the gift of tongues, prophecy or other gifts and did not have love, it benefitted no one. Why? Because without love the gifts are nothing more than clanging symbols.
In today’s God time, as you soak in the Father’s love, ask Him how He’s gifted you to express the Kingdom of His Son and what that looks like through the eyes of love.
Real Love 