TRANSFORMING YOUR SCRIBAL MINISTRY
Your Gift Does Not Define You
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NO IDOLS BEFORE HIM
Many prophetic scribes worship their gifts -- making them idols in their lives. Their entire identities are wrapped up in being a poet, author, scribal prophet, etc. In this context, spiritual gifts and talents are simply resources used to perform or carry out the function of ministry. In other words, they are tools.
As a potential instructor, it is imperative that we build up the VESSEL for works of service in the Kingdom and not focus all of our attention on THE GIFTS. Doing so produces a tremendous imbalance among scribes that cause them to measure their spiritual growth, maturity and even their success by the excellence of a gift INSTEAD OF excellence of Spirit.
It is important for prophetic scribes to understand the PURPOSE for their spiritual gifts. What's important here is that we recognize that ALL OF OUR GIFTS are from God not just those gifts we place in the "spiritual gifts" category. It is critical that we recognize that within our sonship we are admonished to do all things "as unto the Lord and not unto men" (Col. 3:23). Additionally, Prov. 16:3 AMP declares, "Commit your works to the Lord [submit and trust them to Him], and your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance]."
The more we pour into the scriptures, we realize that the Lord makes clear the separation of our abounding gifts and our service to him. As such, our sonship (or intimate relationship with God as obedient sons) rule and a reign in our lives above any particular type of gifting or position. We can seal this with a clear understanding of 1 Corin 12-13. These two chapters bring the significants of gifts and talents into correct alignment concerning what the Lord wants from us.
Sadly, among believers today giftings are worshipped (or placed into positions of idols) not only among those who possess the gift, but also those who are drawn to people solely because of a particular gifting. If The Scribal Anointing® is going to be effective and reach its full potential in the lives of chosen prophetic scribes, it must be released with this level of understanding. Without it, our works are mere clanging symbols and our rewards are completely earthbound.
Idolatry, in its many forms, has always been the root cause of sin surrounding the people of God.
There are many people who are so caught up in their identity that they brand themselves as - that gift - and literally shut the door to any others kinds of exploration. For example, I have met many poets who do this and then lose themselves in the poetry scene. As a result, when they are ready to explore other areas of ministry it can be difficult to move forward because all people see is "the poet." Listen, nothing is wrong with walking in our gifts and talents.... but we owe it to ourselves to be ALL that God created us to be -- not just one dimension of it. I used a poet in this example but it applies to anything.
In my own life, I am known for scribal ministry but I teach and release that ministry in a way that reveals the depths of other areas operating in my life. My life is not limited by this release.
THE PURPOSE OF YOUR "SCRIBAL" GIFT
For the most part, we've already covered the heart of this in our detailed understanding of the "government of the scribe. Remember, our election is rooted in the gift of helps... the lifting of the burden of ministry off the congregation. In fact, all ministry gifts -- every single one of them -- is for service to others. Even if we have a business in which our gifting is used, there is still a burden of helping others as we DO ALL THINGS unto the Lord. This means that we move in our lives and ministries from a place of sonship.
1 Peter 4:10-11 NIV says, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."
In addition, we also covered the 10 Reasons Why in the free book you were given, and in exercises early in the course. Revisit that lesson.
WHAT DEFINES US
People who worship their gifts will often:
Feel as if they have no purpose "if they were to lose" their gift or talent.
Depend on their gift or talent to describe who they are. Remember, one of the exercises you had at the beginning of this course was to identify yourself WITHOUT speaking of what you have accomplished, what others have said about you, etc. I sure sign of a lack of Christ-centered identity is an inability to define one's self outside of what you do, what you have accomplished or what others say about you.
Be driven by perfection within that gift. While it is natural to want or desire to be the best at what you do, it isn't uncommon for "idol worshippers" to compete and compare to maintain a higher perceptions of who they think they are among their peers.
Feel the need to brag about their accomplishments. It is difficult for an idolater to have a balanced conversation about themselves. There is this need to let "others know" what they do, what they have accomplished, who saw them, etc. While this can be normal conversation, they do this often.
Mistakenly believe their GIFTS are their MINISTRY. For them, writing a book, producing a play, giving a prophetic word, speaking at a church, etc. is ministry. These activities, however, are not what makes MINISTRY... ministry. Rather, real ministry is relationship building, taking time to disciple/lead and guide in a community environment, using your gifts and talents to deliberately help others without any demand for something in return, etc. It is a SELFLESS ACT.
In the world we live in, merchandising has largely replaced ministry. Corporations have become the new church. As SONS, it is our responsibility to reclaim God's intention in our time by building family units instead of franchises. OUR GIFTS ARE TOOLS THAT DIRECT US TO THE POWER AND INTENTION OF CHRIST - NOT THE FOCAL POINT OF OUR WORSHIP.
What defines us is our sonship as so eloquently described by the Apostle Paul in Galatians 4. We are also known for our love of God and our love for others - not our works alone (John 13:35). It is imperative that this understanding is "our highest" calling vs. what we do in life, for Christ or our gifts. Pure ministry only flows from this unique place of understanding. Often, I push prophetic scribes to begin their study of sonship from this chapter. In addition, earnest service in the Kingdom in which we are pursuing likeness and image over works.