Some have argued that we are currently raising the “trophy generation.” It’s a pejorative term referring to the fact that everyone who participates in a sport now gets a trophy, even those who lose every game they play. There was a day when only the winner got a trophy, but now to make every child feel special, the season ends with a ceremony celebrating each participant.
While I’m not for participation trophies, it strikes me that the kingdom of God functions in a similar fashion. People typically use the term “anointed” like we used to utilize trophies. The exceptionally gifted worship leader or the inspiring preacher, they are anointed. We imagine that in life there are winners and loser; haves and have-nots and we roll that understanding into life as Jesus followers as well.
However, clear teaching of scripture is that every believer has the Spirit living in them and because of that they are anointed. The Apostle Paul summarized this well when he wrote, “And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” (2 Cor. 1:21-22) It’s clear that anointing is on every person who has the Spirit of God dwelling in them. And the day Joel prophesied has come – the day when God pours out his Spirit on all flesh. (Joel 2:28) If anointing is a trophy, then we are a royal trophy generation. Anointed is not for the elite, it’s for everyone.
What if we began to recognize and affirm our own anointing and the anointing of those around us? Some anointed to be great mothers, some anointed to be great businesspeople, others anointed in the way they care and converse, and others anointed to intercede on behalf of those around them. We’re all anointed! And because of that, we are empowered with the Spirit and can live in a constant state of union with God.
Today, remind yourself that you’re anointed. Spirit is in you and flows through you. You’re part of the “trophy kingdom.”
By Ryan Paulson
Lead Pastor