The Puzzle We See in Church Life
It’s one of the odd things you notice in modern Christianity: even people who can quote “It is finished” still flock to conferences for “a fresh anointing,” still line up for hands to be laid on them, still talk about “levels” and “mantles.”
If Scripture says we already have fullness in Christ (Colossians 2:10), why are so many still chasing something more? Let’s dig into the reasons.
1. We Struggle to Believe We’re Already Complete
The gospel says: “You have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:3). That’s past tense. Already done. But for many, it feels too good to be true. Instead of resting in that completeness, our human instinct says: “Surely there’s something more I must get.”
It’s easier to run after “more” than to rest in “enough.”
2. Old Covenant Thinking Creeps Back In
In the Old Testament, people like David or Elijah experienced the Spirit in temporary, situational bursts. Oil, mantles, and rituals symbolized empowerment. But under the New Covenant, the Spirit dwells permanently in every believer (John 14:16–17).
The problem? Many Christians drag Old Covenant patterns into New Covenant life, chasing something as if Pentecost never happened.
3. Emotional Highs Feel More Spiritual Than Quiet Assurance
Let’s be real—altar calls, crying out, falling down, and hearing big words about “new levels” feel exciting. By contrast, quietly trusting that you are already seated with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6) feels ordinary.
Our emotions crave fireworks, but the Spirit’s work is often steady, invisible, and deep. That’s why hype-driven mysticism feels more attractive than simple faith.
4. Cultural Influence in the Church
Christian culture is full of phrases like “double portion,” “activating your destiny,” or “new anointing.” These aren’t biblical New Covenant realities, but they’re catchy and motivational. They keep people on a treadmill of striving rather than resting.
It’s easy to be swept into this language, especially when big personalities or movements normalize it.
5. The Flesh Loves Performance
Grace is humbling. It tells us we contribute nothing. But our flesh resists that. We prefer to think: “If I fast longer, cry louder, or go to the right person, God will finally give me more.”
Paul nailed this in Galatians 3:3: “After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?” That’s what’s happening when we run after next-level experiences.
6. Mystical Language Feels Deeper Than Simple Gospel Truth
Words like “portals,” “codes,” and “levels of glory” sound profound. But Paul warns in Colossians 2:18–23 that such things “have an appearance of wisdom” but are powerless to change the heart. The gospel’s message—Christ in you (Colossians 1:27)—is often overlooked because it seems too simple.
But simple doesn’t mean shallow. The fullness of Christ is richer than any mystical upgrade.
✅ What Scripture Actually Says
- “You have an anointing from the Holy One.” (1 John 2:20)
- “It is God who… has anointed us.” (2 Corinthians 1:21)
- “In Christ you have been brought to fullness.” (Colossians 2:10)
You don’t need another anointing. You don’t need the next level. You don’t need to beg for God’s presence. In Christ, you already have it all.
Wrapping It Up: From Chasing to Resting
So why do believers run after “more” even when Scripture says it’s finished? Because it feels safer to strive than to rest, flashier to chase than to trust, and easier to believe in levels than in fullness.
But the gospel tells a better story: Christ is enough. You don’t need the next level—you need deeper confidence in what you already have in Him.
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