The apostle, the prophet, the teacher, the evangelist, the pastor. These are ministries/anointings that are largely recognised within the body of Christ, commonly referred to as the five-fold ministry gifts. However, one truth that is coming into recognition more than ever before is that these do not make up the entire church (1Corinthians 12:14). They are a portion that Jesus has set in the church to help the entire church fulfil its purpose: reconciling the world to God (Mark 16:15, Ephesians 4:11-13).
In the same body of Christ where the five-fold ministry gifts are, we also have those called to be minstrels, businessmen/women, administrators (including politicians), intercessors, career people (professionals and craftsmen), ushers, entertainers.....the list is endless. Now, not only are they called, they are also anointed for these callings/assignments. Unfortunately, many don't know that they're called, talk less of being anointed to function in these places. As a result, when considering the anointing, what usually comes to mind is the five-fold ministry. The truth is that as much as there is a pastoral anointing, there is a minstrel's anointing, there's a businessman's anointing, an administrator's anointing, an intercessor's anointing, a craftsman's anointing etc.
The minstrel's anointing enables him/her to "download" songs from the Spirit to bless the body of Christ and draw sinners to Jesus, usher in an atmosphere of God's glory (an atmosphere under which ANYTHING can happen!), among other things (see the Psalms, 1Samuel 10:5 & 16:23, 2Kings 3:15, 2Chronicles 5:13&14, 1Corinthians 14:15&26, Colossians 3:16). David, Asaph, many old time hymn writers and many music ministers today operated/operate under this anointing.
The businessman's anointing enables him to do business with supernatural wisdom and the gifts of the Spirit, especially the revelational gifts (word of wisdom, word of knowledge, discerning of spirits) so much that he prospers in business beyond human understanding and is a financial powerhouse for the propagation of the gospel of Jesus and a blessing to the poor and the society at large. Solomon & Job walked in this anointing. It seems John D. Rockefeller and some of the American industrialists of the 19th and 20th centuries also did. It has not been so obvious in our days, but God is raising men and women that will consciously walk in it!
The administrator's anointing is what Christians need to operate with to make a difference in politics/governance today. The office called "governments" in 1Corinthians 12:28 has a dimension within the operations of the church, but also has great relevance in secular governance. This anointing enables those called into governance (with divine wisdom, favour and the gifts of the Spirit) to attain positions of great influence without compromising holiness. It also enables them to administer justly and effectively. Joseph, Esther & Daniel operated in this anointing. Some children of God have operated in it to certain extents, but God's desire is that a lot more people will arise and move in this anointing to deliver nations.
There's an anointing that makes the intercessor's ministry effective. It's called the Spirit of grace and of supplications (Zechariah 12:10). The gifts of the Spirit also commonly accompany an intercessor's anointing. There's an anointing that makes the usher's face, smile and greeting communicate God's grace (Proverbs 15:30). There's an anointing that makes the entertainer effective in entertaining and still directing people to Jesus. The Spirit of might can rest on the sportsman/woman to grant speed as He did to Elijah (1Kings 18:46) and/or sharpen talents and abilities.
The craftsman's anointing endows him with supernatural wisdom, understanding, knowledge and ability to produce amazing masterpieces (Exodus 31:2-6) and attracts favour to him. The professional's anointing enables him/her to come up with super ideas and undeniable results by the wisdom of God. This same anointing causes him/her to operate under a cloud of favour that makes for promotion and increase beyond human comprehension. Many great artists, writers, scientists and other inventors have attributed their best works to divine inspiration. That's what this anointing is capable of (Proverbs 8:12, 1Kings 4:32-33).
From 2Corinthians 4:4 and 1John 5:19, it is clear that Satan is the god of this world/age until Jesus will come again, but before Jesus comes back physically, He is establishing His rule/kingdom in this world through us, His body (Matthew 28:19-20, Isaiah 2:2) and it is through these anointings that He has placed in His body, the church, that He is enabling us to do it. So don't shy away from your assignment, whatever it is. Wherever your battlefield is, use your weapons rightly, let Jesus be seen and glorified. Be conscious of the anointing that you carry, and let it flow, let Him manifest through you. You'll be glad you did!
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