Introduction
The anointing is God’s enabling presence upon a person to fulfill divine assignment. It is not talent, charisma, education, or energy. The anointing is the manifest help of the Holy Spirit that makes spiritual labor effective and acceptable before God and men.
“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him.”
(Acts 10:38, KJV)
Yet Scripture shows clearly that the anointing can be hindered, reduced, quenched, or lost, not because God changes, but because believers mishandle spiritual responsibilities. Therefore, it is essential to identify what kills the anointing and understand how to deliberately stir it up.
What Is the Anointing? (Biblical Foundation)
The anointing:
Is given by God (Isaiah 10:27) Is sustained by obedience (1 Samuel 16:13–14) Is meant for service, not self-promotion Can increase or diminish based on spiritual posture
“But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you…”
(1 John 2:27, KJV)
While the anointing abides, its flow, intensity, and impact depend on how it is stewarded.
ANOINTING KILLERS — What Drains Spiritual Power
1. Disobedience and Rebellion
No anointing survives sustained disobedience.
“Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft… Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, He hath also rejected thee.”
(1 Samuel 15:23, KJV)
Saul did not lose his throne overnight; he lost sensitivity to God first. The anointing departed when obedience ceased.
Truth: God anoints obedience, not excuses.
2. Pride and Self-Dependence
The anointing flows through humility.
“God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”
(James 4:6, KJV)
When a believer begins to credit results to experience, intellect, or reputation, the anointing withdraws quietly.
Warning: Familiarity with spiritual gifts without reverence kills spiritual power.
3. Prayerlessness and Neglect of Fellowship
The anointing is sustained in God’s presence.
“Jesus… withdrew Himself into the wilderness, and prayed.”
(Luke 5:16, KJV)
Neglecting prayer leads to spiritual dryness, even if outward ministry continues.
Note: Activity can continue after the anointing has reduced — results cannot.
4. Unrepented Sin and Compromise
Sin dulls spiritual sensitivity.
“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.”
(Psalm 66:18, KJV)
Private compromise always precedes public power loss.
5. Dishonouring Spiritual Authority
Anointing flows through God’s order.
“He that despiseth you despiseth Me…”
(Luke 10:16, KJV)
Those who tear down God’s sent ones expose themselves to spiritual dryness.
6. Strife, Bitterness, and Offence
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of peace.
“Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God…”
(Ephesians 4:30, KJV)
An offended heart becomes a blocked channel for divine flow.
How to Stir Up the Anointing
The anointing does not stir itself. Scripture commands responsibility.
“Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee…”
(2 Timothy 1:6, KJV)
1. Prayer and Fasting
Fasting sharpens spiritual sensitivity.
“This kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.”
(Matthew 17:21, KJV)
Prayer reconnects the believer to the source of power.
2. Immersion in the Word
The Word fuels the anointing.
“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart.”
(Jeremiah 15:16, KJV)
A Word-starved believer will always be anointing-poor.
3. Obedience to Promptings
Spiritual sensitivity grows with obedience.
“To obey is better than sacrifice.”
(1 Samuel 15:22, KJV)
Each obedient response strengthens the anointing.
4. Worship and Thanksgiving
Worship creates an atmosphere for divine flow.
“But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.”
(Psalm 22:3, KJV)
5. Separation and Consecration
The anointing flows best through consecrated vessels.
“If a man therefore purge himself… he shall be a vessel unto honour.”
(2 Timothy 2:21, KJV)
6. Honour for God and His Instruments
What you honour, flows toward you.
“He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward.”
(Matthew 10:41, KJV)
Final Exhortation
The tragedy is not lacking an anointing — it is having one and wasting it.
God is still anointing people today, but only disciplined believers sustain it. The anointing thrives on humility, obedience, prayer, holiness, and honour.
“Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.”
(Zechariah 4:6, KJV)
Closing Prayer
Father, I receive grace to identify and avoid every anointing killer in my life. I repent of anything that grieves Your Spirit. By Your mercy, stir afresh the anointing within me. Let obedience, humility, prayer, and holiness preserve Your power upon my life, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
The Message Bearer (SmilingPreacher), Message Bearer
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