GUMPTION AND UNCTION

From My Perspective - - -

In the times in which we live, it is important to make the determination between “gumption” and “unction”! Our basic understanding of gumption is that it represents: “initiative; aggressiveness; resourcefulness; courage; spunk; guts; common sense; shrewdness.” On the other hand, among the many definitions for unction, some of what it represents is: “that quality in language, address, or the like, which excites emotion; especially, strong devotion; religious fervor and tenderness; sometimes, a simulated, factitious, or unnatural fervor; smug self-serving earnestness; the application of a soothing or lubricating oil or ointment.”

Within the lifetime of many, there has been the experience of listening to gifted orators who have uttered memorable lines that are easily quoted: “Ask not what your country can do for you – Ask what you can do for your country!” Then the memorable lines from: “I have a dream…” The recent election may have been determined because of the gifted orator and his oratory. The promise of “change” and the encouragement that “we” can bring it about. In retrospect, a valid question should have been: At what cost will this change be brought about? Big Government has come in with a roar and the majority has voted for great expenditures. The Congressional Budget Office (Non-Partisan) warns: “The…stimulus package will actually hurt the economy more in the long run than if we did absolutely nothing…The bill would help create small economic stimulation in the short term, but our government will be up to its eyeballs in debt that within a few years it would crowd out private investment. What happens when this occurs? Well, this will lead to a lower GDP (Gross Domestic Product) over the next 10 years. We are talking between a 0.1 and 0.3 reduction in GDP.” Rhetoric can move people to action – Arithmetic should shock people into reality.

When one thinks in a religious context, gumption and unction are equally important. Gumption would focus upon the commitment of an individual to the cause and/or calling. Unction has other ramification. In addition to extreme unction that is part of the ministry of one large world-wide Church, there is an application to the spoken word in a religious ceremony or service, namely, that unction represents: “God's unmistakable presence attending and empowering the preaching of His Truth… unction is commonly referred to as the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Preaching with unction occurs because of the anointing of the Holy Spirit.” This type of preaching is typical in a Biblical context as the moment when Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (I Kings 18), or when Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2). In modern day religious services, there is very little demonstration of “unction” and far too much function instead.

Consider these things with me - - - The narrow focus of unction is stated in the following: “Unction is the result of careful and diligent preparation, having earnestly sought God in prayer for Him to do what He wills to do with the preparation that has gone forth. Careful and diligent preparation concerns both the messenger as well as the message to be preached. Certainly the preacher must spend time in personal reflection, prayer, confession and personal commitment regarding the truth he has discovered. Unless he has made himself the initial audience of the sermon that he will ultimately preach to others, he will not preach with unction. This is the subjective preparation needed in order to preach effectively.” Our nation has been too easily influenced by outstanding oratory and rhetoric. The downside to be influenced in such a way is that it allows one to become gullible and less rationale. In listening to various media personalities and preachers, it is amazing to observe how often the target is missed and diatribe takes up the time. The bottom line to all of this is that it becomes an issue of content – (a) the content of a man’s character and commitment; and (b) the content and conviction attached to what that man says. The basic pedagogic purpose is missing. At the end of the day, the goal is: This is what you need to KNOW, to THINK, and to DO – NOW! Anything other than that becomes voluminous vicissitudes.