When a brother or sisters receives a fresh anointing from the Lord, it is an awe-inspiring event. Indeed, the person often gains prestige and notoriety in the church; the Body recognizes that there is something truly special about that individual. Unfortunately, in our celebrity-driven culture, this recognition quickly goes too far. In an instant, it degrades into treating that man or woman as an idol; all while rationalizing it with a veil of Christianity.
American Christianity has forgotten the real reason for the anointed power of the Holy Spirit:
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
Acts 1:8 [NKJV]
The Lord sends His Spirit upon us for one reason, and one reason only: to empower us to be His witnesses. First to the Body of Believers (Jerusalem), and then to the world (Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth). Instead, we have fallen -- far too easily -- into the enemy's trap of using the power of the Spirit to bear witness to ourselves. We exalt our own talents and charisma. We revel in the crowd's adulation. We embrace the power, prestige, and possessions that flow our way. And then we're shocked -- shocked!! -- when we find ourselves the object of the Father's righteous indignation and severe chastisement.
Brothers and sisters, is your life a witness to Christ? Do celebrities (even Christian celebrities -- like preachers or singers) receive special attention in your heart? Are your conversations reflecting an interest in what God has done in your life? Turn away from what the world is chasing. Focus your heart, your mind, your ambitions and your dreams on what the Lord is chasing. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Are you ready for it?
Be encouraged, Jose
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