In the modern church landscape, the concept of anointing holds a sacred place. It signifies divine empowerment, spiritual authority, and the presence of God upon an individual for service and ministry. However, a concerning trend has emerged where some ministers and religious organizations attempt to commercialize this sacred anointing, turning what should be a divine gift into a commodity for profit.
This practice not only undermines the integrity of ministry but also distorts the true purpose of spiritual calling. As believers and ministers of the Gospel, it is imperative to understand the sanctity of anointing and to uphold biblical principles that guard against its commercialization.
The Biblical Foundation of Anointing:
Anointing is deeply rooted in biblical history and theology. The Hebrew word for anointing, mashach, means to smear or spread oil over someone or something, symbolizing consecration, empowerment, and divine approval. In the Old Testament, anointing was used to designate priests, kings, and prophets who were set apart for God’s service.
For example, 1 Samuel 10:1 states, “Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, ‘Is it not because the Lord hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?’” Here, oil signifies God’s anointing, which confers authority and divine favor.
Similarly, Psalm 105:15 declares, “Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.” This verse emphasizes the sacredness of God’s anointed ones, highlighting that anointing is not to be taken lightly or exploited.
In the New Testament, the concept of anointing evolves from physical oil to spiritual empowerment. 1 John 2:20 affirms, “But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.” The unction or anointing refers to the Holy Spirit’s indwelling and empowerment, enabling believers to fulfill their divine purpose.
The Sacredness of Anointing:
Anointing, whether in the Old or New Testament, represents God’s divine endorsement. It is a symbol of God’s calling and empowerment, not a commercial product or a means to financial gain. The sacredness of anointing demands reverence, humility, and integrity from those who minister.
Jesus Himself exemplified this reverence. When anointed by the woman with costly ointment in Mark 14:3-9, Jesus accepted the act as an expression of love and devotion rather than a commodity to be bought or sold. The act was about honoring Christ, not exploiting His name for profit.
The Danger of Commercializing Anointing:
The temptation to commercialize anointing arises when ministers view divine empowerment as a commodity rather than a spiritual gift. This can manifest in various ways:
Charging for Deliverance or Healing: Some ministers demand payment before ministering to the sick or delivering individuals, turning divine healing into a transactional service.
Selling Prayer or Prophecies: Offering prophetic words or prayer requests in exchange for money reduces spiritual gifts to commercial products.
Creating ‘Anointing Oil’ or ‘Blessing Packages’ for Sale: Some ministries sell oils, handkerchiefs, or other items claiming they carry divine power, which can deceive believers and exploit their faith.
Such practices are condemned in Scripture because they distort God’s sacred work and undermine genuine faith.
Biblical Warnings Against Commercialization:
Jeremiah 23:30-32 warns, “Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that steal my words every one from his neighbour… Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that use their tongues, and say, He saith.”
This passage condemns prophets and ministers who use God’s name for personal gain, emphasizing that divine messages and anointing are not commodities to be sold.
Matthew 10:8 instructs, “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.” This underscores that spiritual gifts are free and should not be exploited for profit.
2 Corinthians 2:17 also states, “For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.”
This verse highlights the importance of sincerity and integrity in ministry, warning against corrupt practices such as commercialization.
The Heart of True Ministry:
True ministry is driven by love, humility, and a genuine desire to serve God and His people. The Apostle Paul exemplifies this in 1 Corinthians 2:4-5, where he writes, “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”
Paul’s focus was on the power of the Holy Spirit, not on material gain. His ministry was characterized by spiritual integrity and a deep reverence for God’s work.
1 Timothy 6:10 cautions, “For the love of money is the root of all evil.” Ministers must guard against greed and materialism, ensuring that their motivations are rooted in service and obedience to God’s call.
The Biblical Approach to Anointing and Ministry
Ministers should view anointing as a divine trust, not a commodity. This involves:
Reverence for God’s Sacred Work: Recognizing that anointing is from God and should be handled with humility and respect. Romans 12:1 urges believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God.
Integrity and Sincerity: Conducting ministry with honesty, avoiding practices that exploit believers’ faith for material gain. 2 Corinthians 8:21 emphasizes, “Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.”
Prioritizing Spiritual Gifts Over Material Gain: Ensuring that the focus remains on spiritual growth and the advancement of God’s kingdom, not on personal wealth. Matthew 6:33 encourages, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Offering Free Ministry: Following Christ’s example and the apostles’ teachings, ministers should freely give what they have received. Acts 20:35 reminds us, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Guarding Against Exploitation: Being vigilant against false teachers and charlatans who misuse the name of Christ for financial gain. 2 Peter 2:3 warns, “Through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you.”
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the true source of anointing. It is the Spirit that empowers, guides, and sanctifies ministers for service. Ministers must rely on the Holy Spirit’s leading rather than on financial incentives or material possessions.
John 14:26 states, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” The Holy Spirit convicts ministers to uphold the truth and to serve with humility.
The Impact of Commercialization on the Church:
When the church commodifies spiritual gifts, it damages its credibility and undermines the Gospel message. Believers may become disillusioned, and the reputation of genuine ministers is tarnished. Such practices also misrepresent God’s nature as loving, just, and holy.
In Revelation 18:11-13, the fall of Babylon symbolizes the judgment upon a system that prostituted itself through greed and materialism, serving as a warning against similar practices in the church.
Anointing is a divine gift entrusted to ministers by God. It is sacred, powerful, and intended for the edification of the body of Christ, the advancement of God’s kingdom, and the spiritual growth of believers. To commercialize or exploit this divine gift for personal gain is a grave sin and a betrayal of the calling.
Ministers must remember the biblical principles that emphasize humility, sincerity, and integrity. They should emulate Christ, who came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45). As 1 Peter 5:2-3 exhorts, “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthiness, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.”
Ultimately, the true anointing of God is a gift that should be honored and cherished, not sold or exploited. As ministers, let us uphold the sacredness of divine empowerment, remain faithful to God’s calling, and resist the temptation to commercialize what belongs to Him alone.
May God help us to keep the integrity of His sacred anointing and serve His people with humility and sincerity.
Yours In His Service
C. C. RAYMOND
