Fresh Oil: Maintaining Our Lamp to Radiate His Glory- Lesson 3a: Keep Your Wick Trimmed

Today we will begin talking about keeping our wick trimmed so we can reflect the light of Christ to the world.

 

In an oil lamp, the wick is the conduit through which the oil travels from the bowl. It is also the wick that is set on fire to provide light to those using the lamp. We will be looking at why is it necessary to keep the wick of an oil lamp trimmed. We will see how these same principles can apply to the life of a believer allowing us to maintain the flow of Holy Spirit to radiate His glory.

I have discovered five reason we must keep our spiritual wick trimmed.

First, to prevent soot and smoke to maintain the unhindered flow of Holy Spirit’s light.

In an oil lamp, untrimmed wicks produce large, smoky, and flickering flames, which create soot that can stain the glass chimney, the lamp, and even the surrounding area. Soot and smoke can hinder the flow of the light and leave a residue on things/people who it contacts.

Luke 10:38-42, Now while they were on their way, it occurred that Jesus entered a certain village, and a woman named Martha received and welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord’s feet and was listening to His teaching. But Martha [overly occupied and too busy] was distracted with much serving; and she came up to Him and said, Lord, is it nothing to You that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me [to lend a hand and do her part along with me]! But the Lord replied to her by saying, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; There is need of only one or but a few things. Mary has chosen the good portion [that which is to her advantage], which shall not be taken away from her. (AMPC)

In this passage from Luke 10, Martha was so distracted with serving the Savior that the missed the importance of being with the Savior. This distraction also caused her to have a negative attitude toward her sister, who had chosen to value intimacy over service. Service for the Savior is never a substitute for intimacy with the Savior. We are human “beings” not human “doings.” 

The enemy wants nothing more than to take our focus off intimacy with Christ and put it on a multitude of other things, most of which, in and of themselves are not bad. For example, many in the body of Christ find themselves overly committed to church activities and church work, volunteering to teach every class, working on every project, or attending ever meeting that comes along. They are distracted by spending so much time “doing for God” that they fail to spend time with God in intimate fellowship.

This busyness tends to open them up for negative thoughts and attitudes toward others who have chosen intimacy over service. They are inclined to become irritated with those who are not involved to the level that they are and then become resentful about the “work” they are doing. They tend to serve out of the flesh rather than the anointing.  Intimacy creates the atmosphere through which anointing can flow unhindered.

Second, to ensure a steady, brighter flame (life of consistency).

A properly trimmed wick ensures a consistent, clear, and bright light. Irregularly shaped, un-trimmed wicks produce erratic flames.

Consistency in our walk with God is a fundamental aspect of Christian living, reflecting a steadfast commitment to faith and obedience. This concept is deeply rooted in Scripture, where believers are called to live lives that are aligned with God's will, demonstrating unwavering faith and dedication.[i]

In Daniel 6:19 we read, “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house, and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he got down upon his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.” (AMPC)

Daniel’s unwavering commitment to prayer, even in the face of persecution, serves as a powerful example of the importance consistency.

In Genesis we see another example of a life of consistent fellowship and faithfulness to God. Genesis 5:24, And Enoch walked [in habitual fellowship] with God; and he was not, for God took him [home with Him]. (AMPC)

1 Corinthians 15:58, Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose]. (AMPC)

Hebrews 10:23,So let us seize and hold fast and retain without wavering the hope we cherish and confess and our acknowledgement of it, for He Who promised is reliable (sure) and faithful to His word. (AMPC)

Colossians 3:16 encourages us to “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (ESV)

Consistency in the life of a believer is built on daily, small, and faithful steps, rather than infrequent intense efforts. This includes, prayer, Bible reading, meditation on the Word, and fellowship with others of “like, precious faith” (2 Peter 1:1).

Philippians 1:6, And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting andbringing it to full completion in you. (AMPC)

Here we find a profound truth: Christ is working in us to maintain a life of consistency, and he will continue this work until the day it is completed when he comes back for His Bride!!!

I love the economy of Heaven! We rely on Christ through faith and obedience, he does the work, and we reap the benefits!!!

In conclusion, we must keep our wick trimmed to prevent soot and smoke to maintain the unhindered flow of Holy Spirit’s light, and to ensure a steady, brighter flame (life of consistency).

Works Cited i.https://biblehub.com/topical/c/consistency_in_our_walk_with_god.htm