A Prophet Is Not Recognized in His Own Home (REVISED)

Note: I’m reposting this article because I believe it’s important. It touches on a subject that is delicate, yet significant: Every man is the “prophet” in his home. Even if he has failed (and believe me, I am well aware of my own failures), he is still the spiritual leader. I had decided to pull this post after receiving criticism and realizing that it was too easy for people to misunderstand what I wrote. Words can be triggers, and my use of the word “prophet” can conjure up an idea that I think too highly of myself, and am criticizing those who have judged me for my past actions. Believe me, I completely understand their judgment, and also understand that they would not even be tempted to judge me were it not for my grievous sins. I write to bring out understanding, and hopefully value. I am not trying to hurt anybody, especially those closest to me. Yet, the key principle I am driving at in this post–and the key principle Jesus spoke of when he said a prophet is not recognized in his own house–still stands: The closer someone is to you, and the more they know about your background and your failures, the harder it is for them to see the insight inside of you. And that can negatively impact the good that may be being done through you. So with that said, here we go!

“But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.” –Mark 6:4 (KJV)

Everybody who knows you thinks they know you completely. They know where you came from, they know the upbringing you had, your friends, the school you went to, the church you attended, and so on. They tend to believe that whatever programming was put into them was put into you too.

The concept of insight is not part of the equation.

In fact, the concept of insight does not appear to be part of almost any equation people consider.

The idea that one can catch a bolt of inspiration is rarely considered.

I know I’m essentially repeating the same thing, but I just want this to sink in.

We are conditioned to be–pretty much–carbon copies of each other, no matter the noises we make about “individuality.” This conditioning is reaching epidemic proportions in this modern, twisted world.

It is hard enough for peers to really hear each other in conversation. It is hard for us to rise above the level of concepts. It is hard for almost anyone to consider words or ideas that go beyond the words or ideas of their trusted authority.

The closer people are to you, the harder it can become for them to see your spark of insight.

This is doubly–or even exponentially harder–if you have failed them.

They will match your words–or even actions–against your past actions of failure, and see the past actions as your current character. They can’t help doing that, due to their conditioning. WE can’t help doing that, due to OUR conditioning.

The captain of the ship may have the insight to explore a “new world,” like Columbus. But the ship’s crew can only notice the navigational mistake Columbus made on the previous voyage.

In this situation, the excited sharing of insights has to be curtailed, as only actions can be taken into account.

The man of insight, ideas, and desire for true communication must “downsize”–and just deal with the day-to-day duties of “running the ship.”

There is only one happy alternative to this, and that is absolute forgiveness, but this commodity is as rare as it is precious. In fact, it is nearly impossible for the captain to receive it–especially when he sometimes finds it so hard to give it himself.

Parting Advice

Let me speak with directness and clarity for a moment, so the point is not missed: In my life, I would have benefitted from a lot of things, in the molding of who I am. Insight is the most precious of all gifts. But it is not so easy to hold on to. Especially when we are young, and delicate in our susceptibility to the will and pressures of a sometimes hard world.

The cultivation of our insight is paramount, through paying attention to and trusting it, through our experience, through prayer and meditation, through the feedback of honest friends, and through absorbing trustworthy information starting with the Bible. I do not recommend neglecting the Bible, especially the challenging parts. Once your insight is cracked, it is an indispensable reminder to course correct.

In my case, I followed the example and instruction of corrupt men instead–to my downfall.

I cannot retrieve my lost years… decades actually.

But perhaps I can help you to not fall into the same ditch.

God forgives us for our sins (when we forgive others). But as you’ve probably heard, that does not absolve us of having to pay the price. I am still paying the price for my spectacular sins. I don’t know how long that will continue, but I must be willing to continue paying that price for as long as necessary.

And I must be willing to deal with the fact that sailing to the “new world” will continue to occur over some treacherous waters. Yet there have been many miracles along the way, and they continue to occur almost daily. I am grateful for that.

I know I will be judged by my actions alone–and not always fairly. But I am also well aware that I set the table for this, and now must be willing to eat the meal.

In the end, we can hope for a lot of things. And we can wish to be understood. But ultimately, God understands us. A “prophet” may not be recognized in his own home, but God recognizes us as we are, right now. He understands us. He loves us. And that has to be enough for us.

Patrick Rooney is the Founder of OldSchoolUs.com. He promotes natural health, success, and freedom during chaotic times. To reach Patrick, email him at [email protected].