Those who have been the most wounded and abused by corrupted spiritual oversight within the Charismatic stream are suggesting the entire movement should fall. The same is likely true for those who are disgusted with the increased compromise within the prophetic. But in the midst of this backlash, I can say there are many faithful leaders in the Church who are Spirit-filled, operating in the gifts, and seeing lasting fruit in their ministries. There are also prophetic ministers I know who faithfully serve the Lord with integrity and effectiveness. Many of them do not have social media platforms. And most of them are so busy serving others, they don’t have time to publicize their success.
The Kingdom of God can’t be contained in any one structure, system, or even movement. Thank goodness. And even though some of the roots of the Charismatic movement may have been corrupted from the start, there has been wheat among the tares, and fruit in the midst of compromise. My own faith journey and call was birthed in the middle of this movement and the majority of my experiences have been powerful, life giving, and good. Maybe I’ve been one of the lucky ones. Regardless, I do believe God has used this movement to accomplish something good.
But things change. It seems the Charismatic movement is no longer a designation of positive Holy Spirit activity. It appears the Charismatic movement has turned into a brand. A marketing tool for promotion. The gifts of God have been used as a means to fame, prestige, and personal glory. A commodity to be sold and profited from. Thus, if this is what it means to be “Charismatic,” maybe it’s time to lose the brand.
But there’s no loss here. The gifts of the Spirit and the power of Pentecost aren’t going anywhere. What Holy Spirit offers is not limited to a few special people or restricted to a moment in time. The presence and activities of God’s Spirit are accessible to anyone who hungers for more (1 Cor 14:1). Any true work, gift, or manifestation of God’s Spirit is going to last and it’s going to bear fruit. And no man can stop it and no campaign to discredit it will shut it down.
Movements of men will come and go, but the work and activity of the Holy Spirit is bigger than any movement. Let’s let go of any fleshly branding and keep pursuing our fellowship with Holy Spirit. That which can be shaken is falling away. The mountains that are crumbling will make room for something new. And what remains will be powerful, unshakeable, and undeniable. A true movement of God.
One Response
Absolute truth, well said!