Philippians 2:12b work out own salvation with fear and trembling.
I studied diligently on the anointing yesterday. I focused on the oil. I had good stuff ready to publish and then I proof read it. It was hard and convicting. It wasn’t for you. It was meant for me. It will not get published.
There was this mechanic once, real or not, I do not know. He worked all day changing other people’s oil. He was good at his job but by the time he was through with his day, he just wanted to rest. Then one day as he drove to work his car threw a rod and ruined his engine. When he took into the shop, the mechanic looked at him and said, “When is the last time you changed your oil?”
Serving others is no excuse for failing to work out my own salvation. The fear and trembling part comes from knowing what will happen when you fail to do your own maintenance. Salvation maintenance is not something you can leave to your pastor or Sunday school teacher. You have to do it yourself.
A good devotional is one in which the word has been applied to the author’s life first and well tested. I lost sight of that and God was gracious enough to call me on it.
Psalm 26:2 Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.
I read this post, bowed my head and asked my Lord for grace in responding. God always gives “grace to the humble” and I would encourage you to rethink on “not publishing” your thoughts on the “Oil”. Oil is so important–it keeps things running smoothly, it is unseen, and when it is time to be changed, all the grime and the filth is carried away. Good oil does not break down, it is the dirt that renders it ineffective. Oil is such an excellent type of the Holy Spirit.
That particular word was meant for me, for correction. I do not post correction meant for me in the general sense. They tend to come off critical, as I am my own worst critic. Another word, with more grace can be found. Yes, the anointing oil is vital and important tupos.