My point is that we must start by being honest with God and men. When we get things from others, we should acknowledge it when we can. I say when we can because it is not always practical. I love preaching and teaching and often watch so many others on television that I just cannot remember who I receive something from. I also read a lot and often do not remember where I read something that I may later repeat, so I understand this problem. However, this is a confession. I should do better. It would help prophetic people if they would give attention to correcting this, within reason of course.
I have read direct quotes from some of my books in bestselling Christian books, and they did not acknowledge me. I honestly did not mind this, but was happy that the word I received was going out to others on such a scale. However, I lost respect for others who have read my books and let me know that another author was plagiarizing me. Some have read my books after reading the other persons and thought that I was plagiarizing them, even though if they had looked in the front of the book, they would have seen that I wrote mine long before the other book was published.
My point is that this does cause problems. John Wimber warned me about this 20 years ago, and I did not pay attention to him. Now I am sorry that I didnt. I never purposely plagiarized anyone, but I should have had more respect for the word so as to be more careful. It may not be a big deal to many, but it is something I know I could have done better. Why not do the best we can in packaging the words or revelation that have been entrusted to us?
To keep some from stumbling like this, we should quote others when we can. If we quote our sources, it is borrowing. If we dont quote our sources, it is stealing. I realize that it all comes from God, but this is a matter of integrity that is crucial for prophetic ministry. Again, I am confessing that I have been very poor at this, failing to record the source of material and forgetting where I got it. I have not been a good example, so do not use me as one in this. It is a regret that I have, and you can do better. In all things, let us seek to be honest and open about where we are getting our information.
To be careful means to be full of care, and to be careful enough to quote our sources reveals a basic integrity and caring that builds trust. If we receive our information through research or as a download straight from heaven, either way it can be from God. If it is from God, then it deserves the best and most honest handling possible. Reproduced from Morning Star Ministries with permission.
Post published in: Opinions