The Anointing

by Rocky Fleming

Day 4: Prepared for Purpose

God’s favor or anointing is not just for us to feel good about ourself or what we are doing, or for the applause of people.  These are not measurements of an anointed person, and unfortunately many people use these things as false measurements.  The fact is, I think we observe the anointing on a man or woman more than that person would for himself.  

Why do I say this?  First, God’s favor will not fall on a prideful person.  If one evaluates his favor from God based on how well he is received or applauded by people, then it could very well be his pride that he is feeling and not God’s affirmation.  I think of John the Baptist.  Was he anointed?  Yes, but he was beheaded.  I think of the Apostles.  Were they anointed?  Yes, but they were all persecuted or martyred, and only John lived to an old age.  I think of Jesus.  Was he anointed?  Of course, but He was rejected, scourged, and crucified.  I think we throw the word “anointed” on a person because of a success story or because thousands buy every word he or she says or writes.  But honestly, I feel a truly anointed person is going to tick some people off.  An anointed person is not going to be concerned about the approval of other people or even himself.  I think it is his love for Jesus and his purpose in serving His King’s cause no matter what that might be, is the thing that becomes his purpose and mission.  He doesn’t seek an anointing.  He seeks Jesus, and he wants to make sure that he allows nothing to hinder his intimate fellowship with Him.  His life becomes lived for the purpose God has given to him, and it is in this nurturing place with Christ that His favor falls on a man or woman.

Chambers wrote these words in His Utmost for His Highest.

  “My worth to God in public is what I am in private.”  

In this simple, but profound insight is seen how the anointing originates. It is not what we do for God in public that causes Him to anoint our life or work. It is the death struggle of self that goes on within our private sanctuary that prepares us for His anointing.  It is when we die to self and we then live for Jesus that His favor begins to fall on His child.  It doesn’t matter what or where we live it out, for it is His choice, not ours.  We could be anointed as a pastor or ministry leader or writer or speaker or mechanic or line worker or doctor or teacher or housewife or executive.  We have seen tax collectors, fishermen, and Pharisees who were anointed for the purpose Jesus gave them. 

Our purpose is doing what Jesus wants no matter what, where or how that is expressed.  But to be anointed for His purpose for our life is found only in the Inner Chamber of our intimate, abiding relationship with Jesus.  When we go there and find that place, and remain there within our heart and perspective, it feeds the deepest desire in our life and the anointing becomes an inside out expression that reaches the surface of our life.  This is when our purpose is empowered, and the thing called “Anointed” is observed.  Our inner life and our outer life are living in harmony with Christ.  It has to be, if a real anointing is realized.

Let’s talk about the Power of the Anointing tomorrow.