This object lesson was inspired by a long overdue oil change in my car. Without changing the oil, the engine cannot function properly which can lead to very costly damages. As I entered a gas station in a little town in the middle of northern BC, this is what I heard:
There are many types of oil in the world, I will highlight two, crude oil (unregenerated, destructive and likened to this world and our sinful past); and refined oil of the Holy Ghost – that’s Jesus in us – regenerated and renewed.
Crude oil is thick and sticky, it is a threat to the environment, (the air from its fumes; the water and land because of leaching in dirt and smothering of the water) it is toxic! Crude oil, when spilled, leaves a wide path of death to living creatures with its slow and creeping movement in and on the earth’s surface. Crude oil is a destructive agent when it is not harnessed in a sealed container and confined for its intended use. When a vessel overturns and spills crude oil, its toxins are released to destroy; clean up costs are very expensive and sometimes take years to diminish the effects.
Now the Holy Ghost oil is the in-filled presence of Jesus in us. This oil is a promise given to us (Acts 2:38) and it is vital to our salvation. (John 3:5 “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”)
When the Holy Ghost oil is poured out, healings take place, lives are changed and it overflows the heart with joy. (Hebrews 1:9 “…therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness.”)
This oil filters out the crude things of this world, it is a cleanser for the heart, soul and mind – replacing the dirt of sin. (Titus 2:5 “… by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”) (Romans 14:27 “… but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”)
The Holy Ghost oil keeps our lamps (us) burning bright, it is how the world knows we are different, when they can see Jesus in us. (Titus 2:14, “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”) And the clean up cost? It’s a free gift for you, Jesus paid the price.
Someone once said, “You are free to chose but you are not free from the consequences of your actions”. This is true!
Crude oil = destruction
Holy Ghost oil = revitalization
Today you have a choice, will you continue in the path of crude oil leaving a wake of destruction or will you choose the Holy Ghost oil and be a light that brings restorative life?
Is it time for an oil change? – Marcella Williams
