The prophet's handbook

because this is the best way to properly relate to authority. As a prophet, you have much negative history to overturn, so plan to show the positive side of the mantle. That does not mean you should distort your prophecies in the process. However, refuse to spend time fuming in secret about what you dislike about your leaders or nursing some real (or imagined) hurts. When you allow this, you risk having them surface when you least expect. Negativity will leak out as unpleasant sentiments at the most inopportune times with disastrous consequences. It is wise to weigh your feelings and confirm that they are accurate before jumping to conclusions about your leaders’ remarks. Take the time to clarify what you think you heard, and question why it offended you. Be honest about why you became offended. Ask your leaders frankly (if possible) if you heard them correctly, and if so, what they meant or intended by what you heard. Wait to hear what they say and listen. Make sure when you talk with your leaders that you open the conversation by calmly presenting your case, and always confirm that you heard or interpreted their remarks accurately throughout the discussion. Above all, be obedient, endeavor to fulfill your duties, and to do so with excellence. Whenever your leaders correct you, be honest about whether or not correction is deserved. If the correction is warranted, admit it, fix the problem, and resume the relationship. It if was not, schedule a time to discuss the matter calmly to learn what is considered improvement and the best steps to achieve it. This is sage counsel that coheres with what the Bible tells us to do. It admonishes us to keep our heart with all diligence because out of it come the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23). As a prophet, keep your heart clear when dealing with your supervisors and managers. No matter how right you may feel you are, take time to ponder the cost to you of forcing certain issues with them. Will it be worth it in the end? Will your actions make your life better or worse in the end? Who has the most to lose? The biggest, most significant question of all is, why are you so affected by a certain situation in the first place? What are your real motivations for making a big deal out of something and what do you want to prove or accomplish by it? In short, what are you defending? Be curious about what causes you to jeopardize your position, disrupt relationships, and discredit your reputation on a particular issue. These may all be answered by doing a little probing of your own heart. The entire outcome of your leadership service is seated in your heart. How you really feel about people, authority, work in general, and your organization’s structure will all show up in your emotions, and a leadership promotion will