Growing up, I always went to churches that didn’t really talk about the redemptive gifts, and certainly didn’t help members identify the gift that they possessed. Considering this, I was quite taken aback when, about a week and a half ago, we had a lesson where we found out our redemptive gifts. To my surprise, I am a prophet.
Now, you need to understand: this does not mean that I am going to start standing on street corners yelling at people about my visions of the end times. After doing research, I learned that the following are a few qualities of being a prophet: strongly desire justice and what is right, extremely passionate about causes that they have devoted themselves to, feel a responsibility to speak out about injustice, are often going off on tangents about random issues, and are very vocal about their thoughts and opinions. If you know me personally, you’ll know that I pretty much just listed a bunch of some of my most prominent qualities.
While these qualities are awesome, and I am very grateful to now know why exactly I am such a passionate person, there are a few downsides if I’m not careful. One of the most common that I have encountered in my life, and one that is common for prophets in general, is the anger that I feel towards injustice becoming misplaced, and the frustration that I feel towards people who do not have the same passion to end injustice. This was a problem at home in Canada, but has become a huge source of frustration since I have been on this trip.
As you would know if you have spent any time around me, I am extremely passionate about social justice, have spent a lot of time making it a point to educate myself on the issues of the world, and have no problem speaking out about them. Being that I so strongly believe in the importance of educating oneself on issues and speaking out against them (you can very clearly see that desire by reading this blog that I wrote about racism, or this one about making a difference in the world), I feel as though others should do the same. When they don’t, however, I get extremely frustrated. I mean, these issues are so important, so shouldn’t everyone be as outraged by them as I am?
Over the past week, I have begun to realize something: not everyone has been given the same passion that I have, especially regarding such a wide range of issues. As I have thought about this, a line from a song by a great Vancouver band has really been resonating with me:
“I can’t really blame them, embracing a wasteland that they didn’t build.” (Circus by JPNSGRLS)
Oftentimes, whomever I’m speaking to about an issue has not directly caused it – though it can at times be perpetuated by them – and so they either haven’t become fully aware of its existence, or they don’t understand the severity of the issue. Due to this, they therefore have not been bothered to look further into the issues. As stated in the quote, how can I blame them for not wanting to fight against these issues when it is so uncomfortable and unpleasant to do so, and they have often done technically nothing to cause the issue? Additionally, the media often paints over these issues – by misreporting or simply not reporting at all – so educating oneself is not always a particularly easy thing to do. When an individual is not informed on an issue, it is difficult to see the deep, troubling aspects that personally affect so many people. Because of this, and potentially a multitude of other reasons, they do not have an anger towards or a fiery passion to end these issues that constantly plague our world.
As stated above, because of this seemingly indifferent reaction to injustice, I tend to get quite frustrated when I encounter people with this attitude. I have come to realize, however, that this is when grace and understanding need to come in. I need to not look at a person’s lack of passion as a character flaw, and rather look at it as a difference in personality. I need to recognize that while I have been given the gift of passion and a strong desire for justice, others have been given different gifts.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” ~ Peter 4:10
While this verse is talking about using specific gifts to serve others, I think it can also be applied to this topic. It is so important to recognize that every single person has been given incredible gifts from God, and even in times when I am frustrated by an individual or do not agree with them, I need to realize that they are a product of God’s creation, and were made for a specific purpose. Additionally, I can use my gift of being passionate and angered by injustice to hopefully educate and inspire others to fight against said injustice. Some may not, but I personally see that as a way of using my gift to serve others.
As I speak about not being so hard on those who are not as passionate about ending injustice, please don’t misunderstand; I still think that it is incredibly important to be educated on and speak out against injustice. I still strongly believe that it is the duty of humans in general – but especially Christians – to fight for those who are oppressed. I have learned, however, that I should not be holding everyone else’s passions and knowledge about these issues to the same standard that I am holding mine.
As I slowly learn more about what being a prophet means, God has revealed to me why I have this gift and the incredible things that I am capable of because of it. I am also, however, slowly learning the negative effects that this gift can have on me if I do not keep my eyes focused on the Lord. I feel very fortunate to have learned of this gift at this stage in my life where I am living every day serving and focusing on the Lord, while also being constantly surrounded by other believers. I know that God has given me the gifts He has for a reason, and I’m so excited to learn more about them, and use them to glorify Him.
Even though I am currently on my mission trip, in order to stay on the field, I need more donations! I am still $3,400 USD away from being fully funded, so if you are able, please consider donating!! I appreciate all support, both through donations and prayer, that I have received so far! You guys rock 
