We can often confuse gifts, callings, and anointing. Some might say, “it’s just a matter of semantics.” However, it is much more than that. The Bible gives definitive descriptions of these terms, detailing, what is and is not required to operate in them.
GIFTS AND CALLINGS ARE GIVEN WITHOUT MERIT OR REPENTANCE
Romans 11:29 King James Version (KJV)
29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
Romans 11:29 New King James Version (NKJV)
29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
The Greek word used for gifts in Romans is charisma which means; a favour with which one receives without any merit of his own. So we discover that gifts and callings are given without any regard to an individual’s character. You were born with them and you will die with them because they are irrevocable. Have you met someone who was gifted and not anointed?
Just because you are gifted and called, does not mean you walk in anointing. I didn’t say,” you have not received the anointed One.” You may have received the Spirit, but do you abide in His ways?
ANOINTING IS RELEASED THROUGH THOSE WHO ABIDE
1 John 2:27-28 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
27 As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.
The Greek word used in 1 John 2:27 for anointing is chrisma. It is similar to the charisma but different in spelling and meaning. The Greek Lexicon describes it as: Strong’s #5545: chrisma (pronounced khris’-mah) an unguent or smearing, i.e. (figuratively) the special endowment (“chrism”) of the Holy Spirit.
1 John 2:27 teaches us that we are smeared with what we abide in. Meaning, we pick up the residue of that which we are in close proximity to. What we draw near, we smell like. When we draw away from the Spirit and His guidance, we do not bear the residue of Christ.
Gifts and callings are without repentance and do not depend on an individual’s character. Anointing however, is released as we walk according to the leading of the Spirit. Those with a repentant heart, obedient walk, and abiding faith in God become the sweet smelling aroma of Christ to their world.