When the Oil Is Applied
“But you have an anointed by the Holy One…”
1 John 2:20
There is something beautiful about watching oil being brushed onto a seashell. Before the oil, it looks dry and ordinary. Its colors seem faded, almost forgotten. But the moment the oil touches it, every detail comes alive. The shell didn’t become something new. The oil simply revealed what had been there all along.
The Holy Spirit works the same way in our lives.
Many people think the anointing is about becoming more gifted, more talented, or more impressive. But often, the anointing simply reveals what God has already placed within us. His presence brings out His character in us. Love becomes more genuine. Peace becomes more noticeable. Wisdom becomes clearer. We don’t have to force these things because they flow from staying close to Him.
Sometimes we spend so much time trying to be noticed that we forget our greatest desire should be to be filled with God’s presence. When His Spirit rests on us, people see something different. Not because we are seeking attention, but because they see Christ reflected in us.
Just as the shell doesn’t have to work to reveal its beauty, we don’t have to strive to earn people’s approval. Our responsibility is simply to remain in God’s presence. The anointing does what effort never can.