Meditation on calling, mandate, anointing and gifts
In this section, we will discuss four essential elements of our spiritual and daily life: calling, mandate, anointing, and gifts.
1. Calling
On a social level
A calling is an invitation addressed to a person, through a voice or another means, with the purpose of leading them to respond or come toward the one who is calling.
On a spiritual level
Calling is a divine invitation to redemption, holiness, and service to God. It is addressed to all believers so that they may live according to the will of God.
Calling is manifested in two ways:
I-The general call to salvation in Jesus Christ
We have all received the call to serve God and to live according to His will.
II-The specific call to a vocation or a particular mission
God calls certain people to specific works or responsibilities.
Biblical examples: Moses, Paul the Apostle
2. The Mandate
On a social level
A mandate consists of entrusting someone with the authority or permission to act on behalf of another person.
On a spiritual level
A mandate is a mission entrusted by God to meet the spiritual needs of humanity, according to: Mark 16:15-18, Matthew 28:18-20, Luke 24:49
Biblical examples: Moses, Peter the Apostle, Paul the Apostle
It is possible to receive a mandate to accomplish a work without necessarily having the required anointing.
Many people exercise certain functions without truly being mandated by God. Yet, when God gives someone a mandate, He also grants them the authority and power necessary to accomplish that mission.
3. The Anointing
The anointing is a divine power given to believers so that they may fulfill their destiny and mission.
In the Old Testament, anointing consisted of applying holy oil to the head of a person consecrated to the service of God.
The three types of anointing
1. Priestly anointing
It was intended for service in the temple or the church, especially for priests and those serving at the altar.
Example: Aaron
2. Prophetic anointing
It was given to prophets in order to communicate the will of God, guide the people, and correct them.
Examples: Moses, Isaiah, Ezekiel
3. Royal anointing
It concerned kings, leaders, and pastors who were called to govern and protect the people.
Examples: Saul, David, Solomon
They represented the authority of God on earth.
4. The Gift
On a social level
A gift is the act of giving or transferring something one possesses to another person.
A gift does not only concern material things. We also speak of self-giving, which is total devotion to a cause or mission.
On a spiritual level
Spiritual gifts are abilities given by the Holy Spirit in order to edify others and strengthen their faith, according to 1 Corinthians 12:7.
Among spiritual gifts, we can mention: the gift of wisdom, the gift of Healing, the gift of tongues, the gift of faith
Biblical examples
Peter the Apostle — Acts 3:6
Paul the Apostle — Acts 14:10
The Church is comparable to a body that needs all its members in order to function properly. Each member has a specific purpose and function.
