Back in August 2018, I published a post - Anointing Costs. My belief in this hasn't changed. I was sitting and listening to John 13 this morning. Many times, we focus on John 13:14 that is Jesus' response to Peter on the washing of the disciples' feet.
But I want to go back this morning - John 13:4-5 (KJV)..."(4) He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. (5) After that He poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith He was girded". Breakdown - Jesus rises from feeding Himself, takes off his clothes, puts on a towel, begins to wash the feet of those that followed Him, and dried their feet with the towel that He wore. To serve is to be a servant. If Jesus Himself can lay down that which nourishes Him to take care of the flock that followed Him, then all leaders should be able to do the same.
Anointing costs. It costs you to put aside your title to do the will of the Most High God. It costs you to set aside family time to pray for the sick and shut it. It costs you to wash the feet of those that follow. It costs you to see the goodness in man even when man treats you like nothing. My previous pastor - Pastor Glen E. Jenkins of the City of Refuge, Manassas, VA - is a great example of this. This man’s name has been shattered and tattered, yet he still pushes forth and works for the Kingdom. His anointing has cost him much yet his love for God keeps him going.
Don't ask for the title or wear the title if you aren't ready to sacrifice for it. It isn't something you earn by your works or your years’ experience as a Christian. Anointing isn't something you get overnight. Anointing isn't yours because your momma or daddy was a great man or woman of God. Your daddy could have been the best preacher the town has ever seen, but the next preacher for the church could the be little orphan boy that no one pays attention to (Raise up David!!!). If your money management skills are horrible in your personal life, why should you be the Deacon/Trustee in charge of finances at the church? Sitting quietly in the back pew is Sister So and So, a CPA whom is ready and willing to assist the church with her gift.
Don't take on a title to have a title. Walk in your purpose. If you don't know your purpose, then I challenge you to take 7 days to fast and pray as you ask God to open your eyes to whom He has called you to be. Man cannot give you a title then God seconds it. This has been the occurrence in life lately. Because we so want our family/friend to be anointed, we are setting them up for destruction by placing a title on them. We think we are helping them, but we are really strangling their real purpose out of them. This strangulation causes them to wonder why they keep going through storm after storm. STOP!!!! Let your children, family, friends be whom God called them to be. If they are meant to be the songstress and not the evangelist, let them be. You cannot place your anointing on their heads.
On the flip side, stop taking on titles because it looks good. You don't truly understand what you are opening yourself up to. "(22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matthew 7:22-23 KJV). Please stop setting yourself up for damnation. If you know you aren't called to cast out demons, don’t. If you know you aren't called to assist the elderly and shut in, don't. If you know you aren't called to preach, don't. AND, please stop prophesying in the name of the Lord, because you do so in vain. Be thee warned. Repent, then fast and pray for your call. Stop wearing another's hat because it looks glamorous.
Anointing costs. It isn't easy. It is humbling. It'll wake you up at 2 am when you must leave for work at 6 am. You'll walk the floor talking to God and still go to work feeling fully refreshed. You'll miss out on family events. You'll feel isolated and different. You ARE!!! You aren't like the rest, so don't be like them. Be you!!! Be whom you are supposed to be. Be Anointed in the call designed specifically for you!!! IF you are called to feed the hungry, feed them. Don’t worry how, just do it. If you are called to teach, teach. God will provide – Jehovah Jireh – is not just for finances. He will provide a way for you to do His will. Pay attention. I’ll bet He has already given you the road map. Walk it!!!
Be A Blessing and not Just Blessed
- - Nakya