Spiritual Artist Development Series Tip #26: We use the word “anointing” a lot in the Gospel music industry. We say that this singer or that instrumentalist is anointed. But what is anointing, really? Well, it’s not goose bumps. And it has nothing to do with the vocal quality and exceptional gifting of a musician. The term initially comes from the pouring of oil during a religious ceremony. But the more popular meaning has to do with the Spirit. To be anointed is to be blessed by the Holy Spirit to do the work of ministry. It’s that something special, that almost unexplainable thing that people know is present. When you’re anointed, it’s like God pulls up a chair and sits in the middle of the room. Where God is, His oil is. In other words, if you are anointed, then those in proximity to you should be dripping in the oil of God. Do people feel the presence of God when you sing? When you play, are people healed? Do chains fall off when you begin to minister? Scripture says that the anointing destroys yokes. After you minister, deliverance should be in the room. Aim to have the anointing in your ministry. Otherwise, it’s just sounding brass and tinkling cymbals.