In today’s Church, there is often a misconception that someone can possess a powerful anointing while lacking the character that reflects Christ. This false dichotomy leads to spiritual deception and confusion. True anointing must be accompanied by the manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23); otherwise, the source of that person’s life and ministry becomes questionable. Character is the foundation upon which true anointing operates, and without it, even the most gifted individual risks corruption.

Anointing Without Character: A Dangerous Deception

The Anointing Alone Is Not Enough

• The anointing is God’s empowerment to accomplish His purposes, but it does not excuse a lack of holiness or integrity in one’s life.
• Scripture warns against those who perform great works but lack a genuine relationship with God:
• “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:22–23).

Fruits Over Gifts

• The gifts of the Spirit (e.g., prophecy, healing, miracles) are important, but the fruit of the Spirit is the evidence of a transformed life:
• “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance” (Galatians 5:22–23).
• A person’s character, reflected in their fruits, reveals the true source of their life and ministry. If the fruits are absent, the anointing they claim may be false or misused.

False Excuses: “The Man Can Sin, But the Man of God Cannot”

The Man of God Is Not Separate from His Character

• There is a dangerous teaching that allows leaders to separate their “anointing” from their personal conduct. This is unbiblical. The life of a man or woman of God must align with the Word of God.
• Paul reminds Timothy:
• “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16).

Accountability for Everyone

• No one is above God’s standards of righteousness — not even those in leadership. Leaders are held to higher accountability because of their influence (James 3:1).
• When a man of God sins, it is not excusable simply because they are anointed. David, a man after God’s heart, faced serious consequences for his sin (2 Samuel 12:9–14). Repentance and restoration must always follow failure.

Anointing Does Not Excuse Sin

• Samson operated under a mighty anointing, yet his lack of character led to his downfall (Judges 16:20).
• Judas Iscariot performed miracles and ministered alongside Jesus, but his heart was corrupt, leading to betrayal (John 6:70–71).

True Character Reflects Christ

A genuine man or woman of God must embody the character of Christ. The foundation of their ministry is not just what they do but who they are in Christ.

Holiness and Integrity

• God calls all believers, especially leaders, to a life of holiness:
• “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation” (1 Peter 1:15).

Humility and Servanthood

• True leaders reflect Christ’s humility and servant-heartedness:
• “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

Love as the Highest Evidence

• Love is the greatest mark of Christlike character:
• “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35).

The Danger of Ignoring Character

Corruption of the Message

• A lack of character taints the Gospel message. Hypocrisy drives people away from Christ rather than toward Him (Romans 2:21–24).

Spiritual Abuse

• Leaders who operate without character often abuse their position, manipulating others for personal gain or power.
• This violates Christ’s example of servant leadership and misrepresents God’s heart (Ezekiel 34:2–4).

Eternal Consequences

• God judges the heart, not just the outward works. Those who lack genuine character may find themselves disqualified before Him:
• “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (1 Corinthians 9:27).

Building Christlike Character

Daily Surrender to God

• True character begins with a heart surrendered to God:
• “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).

Accountability and Transparency

• Surround yourself with trusted mentors and peers who can speak truth into your life and hold you accountable (Proverbs 27:17).

Walking in the Spirit

• Allow the Holy Spirit to guide and transform you daily:
• “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).

Focus on the Fruits, Not Just the Gifts

• Pursue love, humility, patience, and other fruits of the Spirit, knowing that these are the true marks of a godly life.

Conclusion

Anointing is a powerful gift from God, but it must be matched with Christlike character. Without the fruits of the Spirit, the source of a person’s life and ministry is suspect. Godly character is not optional for the man or woman of God — it is foundational.

Believers must reject the false teaching that excuses sin under the guise of anointing. The man of God cannot be separated from the man himself; both must be submitted to Christ. As we grow in character and reflect the fruit of the Spirit, we honor God, build His Kingdom, and ensure that our lives and ministries point others to Him.