On Anointing, Wealth, Purpose & The Heart Of A King

On Anointing, Wealth, Purpose, and the Heart of a King.

Why do the anointed—the chosen—often appear to struggle, especially in matters of wealth and comfort? Why does it seem like those closest to God are sometimes the farthest from prosperity? These are questions that have long stirred my heart, and perhaps yours too.

Let’s explore the relationship between divine calling, material abundance, and the true measure of a heart aligned with God.

On Being Anointed and Poor

I’ve often pondered why some who are anointed by God frequently seem to lack in material areas like finances or general lifestyle, while those without any apparent divine calling seem to prosper. What’s the connection—if any—between anointing and wealth?

Even King David wondered about the prosperity of the wicked. That same tension remains relevant today.

Creation itself suggests abundance is natural. Look at the whales of the ocean, the beasts of the field, and the birds of the air—creatures Jesus Himself referenced. They live without worry. Lions, for example, sleep for hours each day, unbothered by survival. They live freely, fully, and richly.

But for humanity, poverty entered the equation after the fall of Adam. We descended from divine provision into struggle. And since falling is easier than rising, poverty has remained entrenched. However, the death and resurrection of Jesus marked a new path: from poverty and death into health and wealth. His journey provides a pattern for rising again.

The Purpose of Anointing

Anointing isn’t given for personal gain. It’s a divine appointment—often to serve others, carry God's message, or lead His people. It’s more about God’s purposes than the individual’s comfort. Seeking wealth, on the other hand, is a personal desire. Unless one is empowered—either spiritually or practically—to generate wealth, poverty can persist. In this way, anointing and material riches can sometimes seem unrelated, even mutually exclusive.

A New Definition of Wealth

In our current dispensation, the meaning of wealth has evolved. In times past, riches were measured by lands, houses, and inheritance. Today, we are learning that contentment is the true indicator of wealth. The person who is content with their lot is, in a very real sense, rich.

Think of it like a mathematical formula: complex results are derived from foundational principles. In the same way, outward wealth often flows from the inner principle of contentment.

Contentment: The Wealth Within

From birth, we are exposed to endless desires—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. But through spiritual rebirth, we discover that deep satisfaction and peace—true contentment—quiets those desires.

To become one with God is to become whole. And in that wholeness, the need to chase more disappears. When contentment becomes the root, outward prosperity often follows naturally as a byproduct—not a goal.

The Apostle Paul lived this truth. Spiritually rich and naturally content, he could have become immensely wealthy had he channeled his intellect and energy toward worldly gain. But he chose the higher path—and in doing so, became an example of inner abundance.

On the Perfect Heart

Scripture tells us that while man looks at outward appearances, God looks at the heart.

When Israel demanded kings, God permitted it because they were His chosen people. Many of those kings began their reigns well—full of zeal and good works. But God wasn’t impressed by external success; He judged their hearts, from which all actions flow.

Take the example of kings who took many wives. The issue wasn’t merely the number—it was the heart behind the desire. Was it motivated by lust, pride, or vanity?

King David, though imperfect, was self-aware. He examined his heart, repented sincerely, and learned from his failures. He didn’t repeat the same mistakes, which signified a heart being perfected—a heart growing closer to God's.

Most other kings were content to follow their desires. Their actions—though sometimes noble on the outside—stemmed from impure motives. But David saw what God saw. That vision made him a man after God’s own heart.

Final Thoughts

The anointing of God comes with purpose, not necessarily prosperity. And yet, through contentment and spiritual alignment, a deeper kind of wealth becomes accessible—one that may even lead to physical riches, though not as the primary goal.

True wisdom is found in the one who not only serves with anointing but who also searches and understands their own heart. For in knowing our hearts, we begin to see as God sees—and that, perhaps, is the richest place to be.