Oil is an important part of keeping a machine effective. It keeps the engines running. It keeps the gears turning. Even though the machines get the credit for getting the work done it would be impossible without the oil.
Crop oil is used to kill the toughest of weeds. It has no killing power on it's own. It just makes the herbicide more effective.
When folks see a business or operation running smoothly, productively, and efficiently, they describe it as a "well oiled machine".
Oil stops friction and squealing and penetrates straight to the problem.
Oil is the reason multiple parts slide and work together smoothly instead of jumpy and making complaining noises.
Oil usually always does it's job behind the scenes and rarely gets credit for an accomplished task.
Folks that are the oil in life are examples of what Christian servanthood looks like.
They seldom get credit for a project because they are usually content using their abilities behind the scenes.
Even so, boards and committees, (the machine), would not be effective and projects could not be completed without the hard work and encouragement of these folks that act as the oil for things to run smoothly.
Occasionally we forget to change our oil and it gets tired and starts to break down and lose it's velocity. Similarly folks that act as the oil in life tend to become less effective without an occasional word of encouragement and affirmation.
We can't travel someone else's journey. Just as oil is made to be compatible for a specific application, God has created you and I for a purpose He has planned. Knowing that purpose comes as a result of reading the instruction manual, the Bible, and talking and listening to our Creator.
Our Creator calls us to demonstrate His love by being oil to each other. Quietly, but intentionally helping things go smoothly for our spouses, our families, our friends, our congregations, and the folks we work with.
"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He has me rest in green fields. He leads me besides stillwaters. He refreshes my soul...You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows." Psalms 23:1-3,5
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