Anointing or Character: Which Comes First?

Anointing or Character: Which Comes First?

This debate has swept through evangelical circles for decades. Some argue that anointing comes first, because God calls whom He wills, sometimes even before they reach maturity. Others insist that character must precede, because without integrity, anointing becomes dangerous. So, who is right?

🔥 What is Anointing?

Anointing is often defined as the power of the Holy Spirit resting upon a person to fulfill a divine mission. It can manifest through spiritual gifts, supernatural authority, or a capacity to touch hearts in ministry. In the Old Testament, anointing was a ritual act with oil, symbolizing consecration. In the New Testament, it is the presence of the Holy Spirit working through the believer.

🧭 What is Character?

Character is the set of moral, spiritual, and emotional qualities that define a person: humility, faithfulness, patience, self-control, and more. It is what sustains the anointing over time. Without character, anointing can fade or be misused.

⚖️ Anointing Can Precede... but It Demands Character

Take the example of Saul: anointed before he was trained, he failed due to a lack of character. David, on the other hand, was trained in secret before being recognized publicly. The anointing rested upon him, but his character sustained him through trials. Jesus Himself, though anointed at His baptism (Luke 4:18), lived 30 years of character formation before entering His public ministry.

🧨 The Dangers of Anointing Without Character

• Spiritual Manipulation: Using the anointing to dominate or deceive others.

• Moral Failure: An inability to handle temptation or fame.

• Church Division: Leadership that lacks humility or the ability to listen.

🌱 Character Prepares the Ground for a Lasting Anointing

God can anoint whoever He wishes, even a young convert. However, character is what allows the anointing to bear fruit over time. This is why Paul insists: "An elder must be blameless" (1 Timothy 3).

Conclusion: A Divine Tension

God may begin with the anointing, but He never neglects character. The ideal? Internal formation before public exposure. Anointing attracts, but character preserves.

Category: Anointing – Character – Leadership Published: December 10, 2025