If we pour oil into a vessel containing water, we shall quickly... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2024

These are in the world. They are not of the world.
John 17: 11.16.

If we pour oil into a vessel containing water, we shall quickly establish the fact that the two fluids will not mix. Even after vigorous stirring or shaking the two substances immediately separate.

This is an apt illustration of the incompatibility of our old, sinful nature with the new nature given to us by God. The two have nothing in common and cannot be intermingled. Our new divine life cannot improve our old nature, nor can our old nature weaken the life brought about by the Holy Spirit.

This comparison also shows us the Christian's relationship with the world. We are like the oil in the water: we are in the world but not of the world, which is as dissimilar to us as oil and water are dissimilar. Because of this essential difference there arises an outward, visible separation.

Is that distinctly noticeable in our daily life, or do we resemble the world in various aspects? If we allow our new nature to dominate, this essential difference will naturally be visible in our behaviour. But it will not cause isolation: we have a duty to fulfil in the world, even if there is disassociation from it. It is therefore recognisable that we possess new life and truly have the "oil", being indwelt by the Holy Spirit.

In our new, divine life we are enabled to follow and serve our Lord and Master faithfully, and our separation from the world will be a convincing testimony for Him.

Today‘s reading: 2 Kings 1: 11 - 18 · John 16: 1 - 11