I’m hovering over a thought in 1John this morning. The thought that I have been anointed . . . the thought that this anointing doesn’t just rest on me, but abides in me. Often we identify “the anointing” with those who seem to have a special calling or a unique gifting . . . “They are anointed,” we say. But John is writing to his “little children” (2:1) . . . encouraging them to “walk in the light” (1:7) . . . admonishing them not to “love the world or the things in the world” (2:15) . . . and warning them of the antichrists, those who deny the Father and the Son, who twist the truth and speak lies and would seek to deceive the people of God (2:18-22, 26). And what is it that the allows the “little children” of God to walk in the light . . . and say no to the world . . . and to stand fast in the truth? Our anointing.

But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge . . . But the anointing that you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as His anointing teaches you about everything–and is true and is no lie, just as it has taught you–abide in Him.   (1John 2:20, 27 ESV)

I have been smeared . . . that’s the literal idea behind the word “anoint.” Probably the picture that comes to mind is that of the priests of old who had a mixture of oil and aromatic herbs sprinkled on them as preparation for serving in the sanctuary . . . or perhaps, the woman who poured out perfume of worship upon the head and feet of Jesus is what we envision. You think anointing and you think of being covered . . . and the covering isn’t visible, but it’s presence is known through the aroma of the oil or perfume emanating from the anointed.

And if I can identify with the “little children” whom John is writing too (and I think I can), then I have been anointed by the Holy One. An anointing given the moment I believed (2Cor. 1:21). An anointing that rests upon me . . . an anointing which abides in me. The oil of God given to permeate every aspect of my being . . . my heart, my soul, my mind.

The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, is our anointing. He is the oil . . . He is the perfume. And it’s not that “special believers” have an anointing . . . it’s that all believers have a “special anointing.” We’ve all been smeared. The Holy Spirit has been poured out into our lives. His mission is to make Christ known to us . . . to enable us to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Savior . . . and, by that knowledge transform us, conforming us to the image of Christ . . . making us like Him . . . in thought . . . in action.

It’s so easy to think of this anointing as some “force” within us . . . and all too often we settle for a “dormant force.” But that is so far from how I think the Holy Spirit wants to operate. First, He’s not an “it” . . . He’s a “He”. Second, He is God. And third, He desires to abide with us . . . to engage in continual fellowship . . . to engage in our lives 24/7. He is the “personal” as in “personal relationship” with God. He’s the “in you” as in “Christ in you.” He is what makes it happen.

Praise God for our anointing! O, that we might become more adept at hearing His voice and recognizing His leading. That we might truly be permeated by His presence. That the aroma of God Himself would emanate from our beings through this blessed anointing of His Holy Spirit.

By His grace . . . for His glory.