A call for wisdom and humility

Prophecy has always been a delicate subject, both in the church and in the marketplace. It is a gift given by the Holy Spirit to build up, encourage, and direct. However, when prophetic words appear to clash or cause division, conflict can arise. The challenge lies in knowing how to discern what is truly from God, how to handle differences in interpretation, and how to remain humble when tensions emerge. The church, rooted in biblical truth, faces one set of challenges, but prophetic conflict in the marketplace—a realm often driven by profits, strategies, and worldly measures—poses its own unique difficulties.

At the heart of any prophetic conflict is a simple truth: prophecy is never meant to divide but to unite us under God’s direction. The Bible provides numerous examples of how prophetic words, when properly understood and applied, brought clarity and direction. Yet, when misunderstood or mishandled, prophecy can become a source of strife. The key to navigating these conflicts is found in humility, discernment, and submission to God's will above all else.

Consider the story of Micaiah in 1 Kings 22. Here, we see a classic example of prophetic conflict. King Ahab of Israel, eager to wage war, gathers his prophets who unanimously declare victory. They all tell the king what he wants to hear. But Micaiah, a lone prophet, speaks a different word. He foretells disaster, going against the crowd and even being imprisoned for his prophecy. This situation is an illustration of how prophetic conflict can emerge when people are more concerned with appeasing authority or advancing their own agendas than hearing the truth from God. Ahab’s prophets spoke out of a desire to please the king, while Micaiah remained steadfast in delivering a word from the Lord, even at personal cost. It is a reminder that not all prophecy comes from God, and not all who claim to speak for God do so with the right motives.

In the church, prophetic conflict often arises when different individuals bring forward words that seem to contradict each other. One person may feel strongly that God is leading the church in one direction, while another believes they have received a word that suggests the opposite. This is where humility becomes paramount. The apostle Paul teaches that prophecy must be tested (1 Thessalonians 5:21). No one individual has the full picture. We see in part and prophesy in part (1 Corinthians 13:9). Prophetic words must be weighed against Scripture, and against the collective discernment of the body of Christ. Leaders in the church are called to create an environment where prophecy is welcome, but they must also bear the responsibility of testing and discerning which words are truly from God and which may be influenced by personal desires or misunderstandings.

But what about the marketplace? Can prophecy operate there as well? The answer is yes, though the context is different. In the marketplace, prophecy can bring insight, direction, and even correction. However, the challenges are greater because the values and priorities of the marketplace often conflict with the values of the kingdom of God. Prophetic conflict in the marketplace can arise when a word from God challenges the status quo, questions a profitable but unethical business decision, or calls for a change in direction that doesn’t align with human reasoning.

Take the story of Joseph in Egypt. Joseph, through prophetic dreams and the wisdom God gave him, directed the nation of Egypt through seven years of plenty and seven years of famine (Genesis 41). His prophetic insight saved a nation, yet it came in a context that was far from the traditional religious setting. In this case, Joseph’s prophetic voice was welcomed because it aligned with the practical needs of the marketplace. But what happens when the prophetic word runs counter to human wisdom? In many instances, prophetic conflict in the marketplace arises when God’s word calls people to act in ways that defy conventional business practices, leading to tension between prophetic direction and profit-driven motives.

In both the church and the marketplace, prophetic conflict requires great humility. Often, the conflict is not so much about whether a word is truly from God, but about how it is received and interpreted. Pride is one of the biggest hindrances to resolving prophetic conflict. It can be difficult to admit that we may have misheard, misinterpreted, or misapplied a word from the Lord. But the Bible consistently calls us to humble ourselves and to submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit. In the case of Joseph, had Pharaoh refused to listen out of pride, Egypt would have faced devastation. In the church, if leaders and congregants refuse to humble themselves before God and one another, the church may miss out on the fullness of God’s plan.

When prophetic conflict arises, whether in the church or the marketplace, we must also consider the role of spiritual authority. In Numbers 12, we see how Aaron and Miriam challenged Moses’ prophetic authority. They felt that God had spoken to them too, and in their pride, they questioned Moses’ leadership. But God Himself intervened, affirming Moses’ unique prophetic role and rebuking Aaron and Miriam. This story illustrates the importance of respecting the spiritual authority that God has established. Whether in the church or the marketplace, when prophetic conflict arises, we must be careful to submit to the authority God has placed over us, trusting that He will bring clarity and resolution in His time.

Dealing with prophetic conflict, whether in the church or the marketplace, is no easy task. It requires a heart that is open to correction, a spirit of humility, and a commitment to seeking God's will above all else. Prophecy is a gift meant to build up and direct the people of God, but when mishandled, it can lead to division and confusion. By following biblical principles, seeking wise counsel, and humbling ourselves before God, we can navigate prophetic conflict in a way that brings unity and clarity rather than division.

Are you ready to take time to explore the truths that apply and the strategy that will be applied with humility?