The Character of a Prophet

“Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” — 1 Corinthians 9:27 (CSB)

Gifting Is Not Enough

1 Corinthians 9:27 is one of the most beautiful scriptures for the character of a prophet. Though Paul wasn’t speaking specifically to prophets, his words highlight something essential for anyone who ministers on behalf of the Lord: discipline and self-control. He understood that spiritual gifting alone could not sustain a person’s soul over time. Without intentional restraint and consistent discipline, even the most gifted individual could fall short of their calling.

And that’s exactly what’s missing among many of today’s prophetic voices: the intentional pursuit and development of godly character.

The Absence of Fruit

You can tell this element is missing within a prophetic ministry when their words are filled with manipulation, deceit, gaslighting, and grifting. Their lifestyles show little to no alignment with Christ, and in all honesty, they begin to resemble the neighborhood psychic more than they reflect Jesus. They may be doing the work and going through the motions, but they are not bearing fruit. Even many who started out right have drifted away from the standards of holiness.

They are now walking the path toward self-disqualification and bear the marks of whitewashed tombs with Ichabod written across them. The glory has departed, yet they continue in ministry, convinced they are still anointed.

The Danger of a Counterfeit Spirit

That is why, to those who are truly anointed, these individuals often seem more spooky than spiritual. Whenever someone attempts to manufacture a genuine anointing, it becomes obvious. It presents as eerie, unsettling, and at times even strange. This happens because, when a person is no longer aligned with the true and living God, they unknowingly come into agreement with a counterfeit spirit, a power that does not come from above. If they do not repent, that path always leads to destruction.

The Call Few Count the Cost To Answer

Yet many continue to rush to declare themselves prophets of the Lord. They are drawn to the title and captivated by the perceived power and influence it brings. However, they often overlook the true cost of the calling. Being a prophet is not something to be celebrated or glamorized; it is a calling that requires a daily death to self.

Paul told the church at Corinth, “I die daily…” (1 Corinthians 15:31). Every single day, he crucified the desires of the flesh: its lust for power, status, and recognition. He brought his mind and body into submission under Christ. This was not a one-time moment of surrender, but a repeated discipline.

Why Character Cannot Be Optional

Yes, God's mercies are new every morning, offering us a fresh start each day. However, the enemy also unveils new strategies daily, presenting fresh opportunities to stumble and fall. This constant spiritual tension is why self-discipline and godly character are not optional, but they are essential for anyone who dares to speak on behalf of the Lord.

Leadership Without Integrity Is Dangerous

The character of a prophet should reflect a life that is above reproach. Yet in today’s landscape, we continue to see leaders entangled in scandal and sin, often quick to excuse their actions with statements like, “I’m only human,” or “Nobody’s perfect.” While there is some truth in those words, another truth must be acknowledged: a man or woman who lacks self-control, humility, and accountability is not qualified to lead others in the things of God.

Their first priority should not be public ministry or visibility but personal repentance and genuine spiritual restoration. Ministry was never meant to be a platform for performance or self-promotion; it is meant to be the natural overflow of a life fully surrendered to God. The Lord will never place His seal of approval on a ministry that appears to lead others to heaven while the one leading it is steadily walking the path to hell.

Why the Character of a Prophet Still Matters

A true prophet is not defined by their dreams, visions, or bold declarations. These may accompany the call, but they are not the measure of it. What truly sets a prophet apart is Christlike character: integrity, humility, and unwavering devotion to God. No matter how gifted or accurate they may appear, without godly character, that gift becomes dangerous, both to themselves and to those they influence.

The Marks of a Mature Prophet

A true prophet must live a life that reflects the heart and nature of Christ, not just in word, but in conduct and conviction. They must be honest in everything they speak, refusing to twist Scripture for personal gain or to manipulate others. Humility must be evident, as they understand they are servants of the Lord, not spiritual celebrities seeking applause or platforms.

They should remain submitted to godly counsel and welcome biblical accountability, recognizing that no one is above correction or examination, not even a prophet. Scripture instructs us to test every spirit (1 John 4:1) and to judge prophetic words (1 Corinthians 14:29) to ensure they align with the truth of God's Word. A true prophet does not operate in isolation or resist correction but invites mature believers to weigh their words, motives, and conduct in the light of Scripture. Rather than functioning as spiritual renegades, they model the humility of those who fear the Lord and submit to His order within the body of Christ (Proverbs 27:6; Hebrews 13:17; Galatians 6:1).

Their love must be sincere and their kindness evident, avoiding the cruelty that often disguises itself as boldness or "just telling the truth." They must be firmly rooted in sound doctrine, refusing to chase after every new trend, revelation, or popular teaching that lacks biblical foundation. Above all, they must remain faithful to the Word of God, even when it contradicts the culture, challenges the crowd, or confronts their own comfort.

False Anointing Is a Warning

A prophet should never be contentious, rebellious, or driven by a love for money and worldly recognition. These are not minor flaws or personality quirks; they are clear indicators of a deeper spiritual misalignment. Anyone who claims to speak on behalf of the Lord must also demonstrate, through their life, that they have been with Him.

An Unveiling Has Begun

We are living in a pivotal hour, a time when God is making a clear distinction between those who are truly called and those who have merely assumed the title of prophet. He is actively separating those who carry a genuine anointing from those who have appointed themselves without His endorsement. This is not a subtle work; it is a divine unveiling that will expose what is real and what is counterfeit.

He is cleansing the prophetic, and in this process, it will not be charisma that proves authenticity. It will be character that serves as the true litmus test.