Do You Need An Oil Change?

Manufactures recommend regular oil changes in your vehicle so that your engine will see a longer and happier life, says Derek Odom on his web site, How to do just about everything. According to the experts oil breaks down in viscosity (or general thickness) and over time becomes ineffective in lubricating the engine. The frequency or time frame between oil changes depend upon how often the vehicle is driven.


You say, yada yada yada, we’ve all heard this stuff before right? Well we commercial lawn guys face the same issues with our mowers. In the summer when we’re working dust till dawn, fighting the heat and rain, weekly oil changes become challenge. Unfortunately for me, my inconsistency in this area resulted in having to replace my main mower’s engine at the beginning of the summer. In spite of changing my oil filters from time to time, using oil with a weak viscosity had caused tiny metal shavings to circulate through the engine, defacing the cylinder walls and other components.

A common type of oil described in the Bible is olive oil, that was extracted from presses, (according to Haggi 2:16 and Micah 6:15.) Olive Oil is described as SOFT (Psalms 55:21), SMOOTH, (Prov. 5:3), PENETRATING (Psalm 109:18) and HEALING (Isaiah 1:6.) These characteristics also correspond to Holy Spirit and the work He wants to do in each of our lives. Therefore, it should be no surprise that our Hebrew ancestors in the faith referred to the Spirit as oil.

In Bible times we find that oil was used for food, the lighting of lamps, anointing the sick, and for commissioning a person for a specific task or office of trust. When referring to David’s 23rd Psalm, “Thou anointest my head with oil.” Victor Shepherd reminds us of the following:

       "To be anointed with oil doesn’t mean we’ve been supplied with a cosmetic like suntan oil; it doesn’t      even mean that we’ve been supplied with a safeguard like sunscreen. To be anointed with oil in the presence of one’s foes is to be nerved; it’s to be fortified; it’s to be comforted in the Renaissance English sense of “comfort.” In Renaissance English “comfort” is formed from two Latin words, con and fortis: “with strength.” Profoundly to be comforted isn’t to be pampered or even consoled. It’s to be strengthened…Specifically the oil of anointing, the Spirit, is God’s effectual presence and power.”

Just as my engine needs frequent replacements of Oil, we as Christians need the periodic oil changes of HOLY SPIRIT. We need a fresh filling Him to keep our Spiritual engine running at optimal performance. Why not stop now right where you are and invite God’s Holy Spirit to soften and smooth out the rough places in your heart. Ask Him to do a deep penetrating work of restoration in your life and to let healing flow. And remember, Don’t neglect regular oil changes. They can be costly.