Oil and Water
Nope, oil and water doesn’t mix. Why? Water molecules are polar, which means there is a
positive charge on one end and a negative charge on the other end. For this reason, water
molecules stick together because they are alike. Oil molecules are non-polar. They don’t
have a charge. For this reason, oil molecules stick together because they are alike. Of
course, it’s possible to try to mix oil and water together by putting them both in a bottle and
shaking it. But once you set it down, in time, the oil and water will separate. They will
separate every time.
In the world we live in, there are other things that don’t mix well together, either. Believers
in Jesus and non-believers don’t mix well together. But before we start to turn our noses up
at our neighbor, remember what Paul said, “But God forbid that I should boast except in the
cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the
world.” (Galatians 6:14) If we follow Jesus, then we are citizens of Heaven. Paul made it
clear that when we accept what Jesus did for us on the cross, we have died to all the things
of the world; therefore, we are in the world and no longer of the world, and we are
forevermore defined by the things of God. Our habits and behaviors should no longer mimic
our past or those of non-believers. Paul said, “For what fellowship has righteousness with
lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14) You and
I are certainly the righteous and the light in this world because Jesus makes us that way.
Another big difference between oil and water is that oil burns; it’s combustible. Those who
reject Jesus while on Earth will burn, and so will everything that is not of Christ. But water
puts out fire, doesn’t it? Jesus said, “…but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him
will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water
springing up into everlasting life.” (John 4:14) If we live a life that is pleasing to God and
we aren’t ashamed of the Gospel of Peace, then we may be able to save those who are
perishing. The goal is not to mix the two, but for Jesus’ love to turn oil into water.
Heather Hill
Copyright © 2014 Wildwood Calvary Chapel
Scripture taken from the New King James Version.
Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.