UNCTION AND GUMPTION

UNCTION AND GUMPTION!

1 John 2:18-21

18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time…20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. 21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it…

           Old timey preachers used to talk about “unction” and, while it is only used once in our English Bible, it is something we all need. The Greek word is chrisma and literally means “an unguent or smearing.” Our text suggests that because it is the last days we need the Holy Spirit to be slathered on us to give us special wisdom and discernment to function in these last days.

           My old timey parents used to talk about “gumption” and Merriam-Webster acknowledges that it is a real word though seldom used these days. It means “shrewd common sense; enterprise; initiative.” Mom and Dad lived through the Great Depression and were constantly berating us for our lethargy and lack of motivation. I suppose we still need a heavy dose of gumption.

           The old timey Word of God persistently warns us that “in the last days perilous times shall come” (2 Tim. 3:1) and the character of those days closely mirror our own. We have been warned and now those days are upon us. There is a palpable sense of foreboding even among the irreligious in the world. Some have yielded to paranoia seeing antichrists behind every rock. Maybe they are right. Perhaps we should be wary.

           What we need is a heavy application of “unction and gumption.” We must be up and moving for the Master and we most certainly need the Holy Spirit for strength and discernment.

Ps 45:7

7 Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

Dear Lord, smear upon me Thy Holy Spirit and give me the gumption to live righteously in a world gone mad. AMEN