Can an Anointed Person Be Living in Sin? Yes! Absolutely! It’s essential to understand that anointing does not automatically imply God’s endorsement of a person’s lifestyle or choices. A powerful example is King Saul, who, despite his anointing, ultimately lost it due to his actions. Anointing is a mark of God’s calling, but it doesn’t guarantee a life aligned with His will.
I had a worship leader years ago who was one of the most anointed people I’ve encountered. Yet, in the end, he took nearly half my congregation just a few miles away to start his own church. It took a lot of undermining and intentional planning to something like that. Maybe he heard from God, I really don’t know. I’m not judging him, and I’m not here to talk negatively about him or anyone else who carries an anointing, regardless of where they stand with God. To speak ill of God’s anointed, even if we disagree with them, is stepping into dangerous territory. We can disagree without attacking—that is key.
David’s actions toward Saul, an anointed one, teach us this principle. Even as Saul pursued David to kill him, David chose to honor God’s anointing on Saul’s life. When he did touch Saul, David repented, recognizing the weight of touching “God’s anointed.” As Scripture says in 1 Chronicles 16:22 and Psalm 105:15: “Do not touch My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm.”
As believers, we need to consider the weight of our words when we speak about Christian leaders. Murmuring against them not only damages the body of Christ, but potentially harms our own walk with God. God is not a partner in divisiveness, nor is He the author of confusion. Just because someone preaches differently from what you believe, doesn’t mean they’re wrong—or that you’re necessarily right. If you don’t believe in signs and wonders, that doesn’t negate their existence. So, let’s tread carefully, especially when we witness true anointing. Genuine anointing will always glorify Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross. Instead of getting drawn into division, let’s be “fruit checkers.” Matthew 7:16 says it plainly: “You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles?”
If what’s being said isn’t grounded in love, it’s not from God. We need to be careful! I’ve seen too many swept up by someone with anointing, only to be led astray. Young believers may seek signs and wonders, but mature believers know to look for fruit. Signs, wonders, and even miracles are not the same as the fruit of the Spirit, which endures and speaks to a transformed heart. In Matthew 7:20, Jesus reiterates, “Therefore by their fruits, you will know them.”
Let us remember: It’s not about the flash and noise; it’s about the enduring fruit. Stay vigilant, stay grounded in love, and always keep your eyes on the fruit.
The Fruit of the Spirit is described in Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV): “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”
This passage highlights the qualities that the Holy Spirit cultivates within believers, offering a powerful contrast to the “works of the flesh” mentioned earlier in Galatians. These fruits reveal a life transformed by God, and serve as a model for Christian character and maturity. Be cautious, however, of anyone who focuses on drawing attention to themselves, their miracles, or their ministry. Observe without attacking or passing judgment—stand back, watch, and let their fruit speak for itself.
