The anointing of God in our lives is precious. The power of God manifesting in our lives forms the core of our existence. Thus, it becomes crucial to protect this anointing and power. The enemy constantly works to steal it.
The Thief’s Mission
John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” The thief aims to steal this anointing. Without taking conscious, decisive, and practical steps to protect it, we risk destruction.
2 Corinthians 11:3 warns, “But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by its cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” The anointing on Cain’s life disappeared when jealousy and selfishness took over his dealings with God and his brother. Genesis 4:7 records God’s warning to Cain: “…sin is lurking at the door; its desire is for you but you must master it.” While we need God’s help, protecting what He places in our lives remains our responsibility. We must guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit.
The Treasure Within
2 Timothy 1:14 urges, “Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us.” This good treasure, the anointing, is the pearl of great price, the treasure God entrusts to us. God watches to see if we protect this anointing.
The Kingdom of Heaven’s Value
Matthew 13:44-46 illustrates, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.” Protecting the anointing means safeguarding it from vultures and creepers.
Driving Away the Birds of Prey
When Abraham prepared the sacrifice as God instructed and waited, birds of prey descended on it. Genesis 15:11 notes, “And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away.” Similarly, in our lives, the enemy gets attracted to our anointing because the power of God opposes him. The anointing draws God’s favor and also attracts evil forces. Without discernment in our dealings and life situations, we can be easily fooled.
Samson’s Downfall
Consider Samson’s life. The enemy targeted him, concentrating on his downfall. Samson gradually lost the ability to discern people and situations properly, which led to his downfall step-by-step. One of the greatest enemies of our anointing is our flesh.
Crucifying the Flesh
Romans 6:12-13b advises, “Therefore, do not let sin exercise dominion in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions. No longer present your members to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and present your members to God as instruments of righteousness.” Paul says he ‘dies daily,’ meaning he dies to his own desires daily. Saints-in-the-making consciously try to die to their desires every day.
Fighting Fleshly Desires
Our enemy enters our lives through fleshly desires. If we do not keep our flesh in check, we cannot protect the anointing. Satan brings different kinds of people into our lives, usually drawn to us according to our inner wounds and fleshly desires.
Recognizing False Friends
2 Corinthians 11:14-15 reveals, “And no wonder! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is not strange if his ministers also disguise themselves as ministers of righteousness….” The enemy can use anyone with inner wounds, self-ambition, unfulfilled desires, fears, unbelief, or an impure heart to derail us. False friendships, desires, inspirations, and advice have made many vulnerable to the thief of anointing. We need wisdom and humility to not only keep the anointing on our lives but also to grow in an ever-increasing anointing.
