America’s Got Talent, errrr… Anointing?
Ok,
So I was watching the following video on Youtube and I decided to read the comments associated with it. There was some discussion as to whether or not Fantasia’s singing was the result of God’s annointing or just talent. I think that that is a legitimate question that has a clear answer.
Talent does not equal anointing. I’ve been involved in the music Ministry for much of my life and I know first hand the dangers of assuming that talent equals anointing. I’ve seen the church turn a blind eye to the lifestyles of my fellow musicians. No one wants to offend that great keyboard or organ player or he might go to a “rival” church. We also know what kind of lifestyle Sister so-and-so lives Monday through Saturday, but on Sunday we will let her lead the Worship Service because that girl can “SANG!”
Here in the ‘Ol Cackalacky, (I’m sure it is the same in Georgia 
) It is not uncommon to see a group of men in loud suits, wing-tips or “gators”, and Jheri curls, hanging around the side entrance of a church during a choir anniversary service; while smoking their cigarettes and checking out all of the female churchgoers. These same men will not go into the building until it is their turn to “SANG” after-which they will proceed to give one of the most “anointed” performances of their lives. When they have finished slinging the Jheri Curl juice over everyone while howling their rendition of “Fix it Jesus” or “Sending Up My Timber”, they will quickly exit stage left to finish their still burning cigarettes.
I’m not talking from a holier-than-thou perspective either. Remember, I am a musician myself. As of a few weeks ago, I am currently not playing for any particular church. However, my phone has been ringing off the hook with people wanting me to take over their church’s music ministry. Many of the people that call have never met me in person, heard me play, or even know my first name. All they know is that I’m an available musician. That’s all that matters. They could be inviting the Devil to come in and lead their congregation in Worship.
In fact that is what’s going on in many churches. The Devil is in charge of their music program in the name of Talent. The Devil has more experience and more Talent when it comes to music than all of us on earth combined. Satan, or Lucifer as he was known then, was the “Minister of Music” in Heaven. However, he got the big head and well…you know the rest.
Dr. Phil has made a name for himself as a psychiatrist. He’s a counselor. You could make the argument that he has a talent that he turned into his profession. Everyone can’t talk to people. Everyone doesn’t have the patience to listen and provide sound advice. Does this make Dr. Phil anointed? Should he start preaching?
We always seem to attach anointing to musical abilities but what about other talents? Is Kobe an anointed Basketball Player? Is Kobayashi an anointed hot-dog eater? Is everyone on that show “America’s Got Talent”, anointed? Does God really want us swallow a bunch of coins and the regurgitate exact change? Can these talents be anointed as well?
The Answer is Yes and No! Talent does not equal anointing, but your talent can “be” anointed. Many of us have natural abilities or talents. Those talents can then be groomed, refined and increased without us ever acknowledging or accepting God. There are many great artists that died atheists.
However, if you are submitting to God’s will and purpose and letting the Holy Spirit amplify your talent to do God’s work, then I would agree that even competitive hot-dog eating can be anointed!
And when I say by “Submitting to God’s Will,” I do not just mean at an Awards Show or just on Sunday Morning when it is your turn to sing. Because, if that is the only time you are “anointed,” then you never truly were.
Talk to me!
Ha Ha! I think you were talking about the mens group at my church.
Do you think that the Pastors at Elim and Fairview were acting under the anointing when the commited adultery, fornication, and lied while taking advantage of those young women?
Yes I have seen this. There was a lady at church that would bring the church to tears with her singing. Come monday morning when she would arrive to pick up her products for work she would be so very nasty and rude. Her annointing didn’t last past Sunday because she was rude most Monday mornings. I used to think that maybe she should never leave the church. I guess this is why some churches don’t believe in worship music or having instruments in church, they say it is the work of the devil.
There is certainly a difference between talent and anointing. According to Romans 11:29, “…the gifts and the calling of God are not subject to repentance.” Each of us has a God- given gift and salvation is not a requirement for its use. Take Kelly Price for example, she has a phenomenal voice. But, she never garnered the success most people thought she should have in the secular industry. Now that she has rededicated her life to God, when you hear her sing the anointing of the Holy Spirit convicts your heart. I am sure demons now flee when she sings the praises of Zion. The sum of it all is this: God is determined to accomplish His purposes, despite what people do.
David was the apple of God’s eye but he was a murderer and adulterer. Paul is one of the most respected men in the Bible, yet he was on his way to kill Christians when the Lord called him. It is sad when us “saints,” are so quick to dismiss others because they do not hold up the standard that we think they should. You all know that most black singers started in the church. The Word says to train up a child in the way he should go & when he is old he will not depart from it. The church is her foundation! No matter how far she goes, that will always be a part of her. We as “saints” should be willing to accept her with open arms at any time. You never know when God will prick her heart and convict/convert her into what he wants her to be, ie., Mase, Kelly Price, David Hollister, etc…Y’all can’t see that….of course not. Let me know if you need help w/that plank in your eye!