It is not enough to be called a Christian.
Just like it’s not enough to be called a Soldier. Both terms come with functions attached.
For a soldier, he/she pledges to defend his/her nation. But you don’t just jump into war-front once your name appears as on the list of incumbent soldiers. You first get into the training camp, where you’re baptized with the skills and strength needed to function as a good soldier.
Same with a Christian.
Paul, when talking to his son Timothy said, “…endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” (2 Timothy 2: 3) We are soldiers. And like soldiers of this world, we need the unction to function. Else, the enemy will kick us around… and our Christian lives will be feeble and fruitless.
The Unction
Merriam Webster defines unction as the act of anointing as a rite of consecration. Before Jesus ascension into heaven, while He assembled with his apostles, He “…commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father.” (Acts 1: 4)
Jesus calls us to follow Him – in full consecration and service. But He knows we need more that our human strength for the journey ahead. And just like He told His apostles, on that day, the admonition is also for us: But he shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and he shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1: 8)
A Christian With The Unction
When that unction comes, it transforms you from an ordinary to an extraordinary Christian. Just like what happened after the Holy Ghost fell on those Christians gathered in the upper room. In 1John 2: 20, we see a description of the special grave that comes with the unction: But he have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
True Christians are anointed ones and are anointed with oil of grace, with gifts and spiritual endowments by the Spirit of grace. The Holy Spirit is compared to oil as well as to fire and water.
The effect of this unction is a spiritual eye-salve. It enlightens and strengthens the eyes of the understanding.
Looking at the life of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, as well as men and women like Paul, Peter, Stephen, Priscilla and Aquila, Anna, Charles Finney, John Wesley, W.F. Kumuyi, and a host of others, you see the difference the unction makes… results, fruits and blessings from their ministries. They possessed the unction to function.
You too can have it today.
Steps To Receiving The Unction to Function
- Salvation: The Holy Ghost cannot dwell in an unholy vessel. So if you’re still living in sin, confess them this moment and ask Jesus to forgive and cleanse you.
- Sanctification: After salvation, their is need for inward purity – that the adamic nature be uprooted so you don’t keep struggling to live the Christian life. God promises to sanctify your heart, if you lay your life down at His feet and ask Him to perform this second work of grace in your life.
- Thirst: There must be a desire in your heart for this unction. God gives this special gift to those who need. You fuel this thirst… this desire, by drawing closer to God, His word, and studying the life of men and women who do exploits because they possess this divine unction.
- Wait: Jesus told His apostles to WAIT till they be ensued with power from on high. Tarry in prayers. In Luke 11: 13, Jesus said, “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the holy Spirit to them that ask Him?”
Do you want to make a difference – in time and eternity?
Receive the unction to function.
