Word of the Week: Oil

Bro. David Woodard | The Weekly Ledger News | Faith & Inspiration Column

The Cost and Purpose of Oil

Matthew 25:1–13 (Parable of the Ten Virgins)

The wise kept oil in their lamps; the foolish did not. When the Bridegroom came, it was too late to borrow.

➡️ Oil represents preparation, spiritual readiness, and personal responsibility.

In Scripture, oil represents anointing, preparation, and the presence of God. It is valuable. It is costly. And once it is poured out, it cannot be easily replaced. That is why we must be careful where—and on whom—we spend our oil.

Guarding the Anointing

Psalm 141:5 - “Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head…”

➡️ Not every voice deserves access to your oil.

Don’t Waste Your Oil On:

1. Spectators

Spectators watch from a distance. They buy a ticket to the show, record your failures, and offer loud opinions—yet provide no real support. They sit in the cheapest seats but shout the loudest. Their commentary costs them nothing, but it can cost you peace if you let it.

Psalm 1:1 - “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.”

➡️ Where you sit determines what drains you.

2. Investigators

Investigators only appear when something goes wrong. They examine, evaluate, and dissect every detail of your life, not to restore—but to scrutinize. Their presence is rarely about healing and almost always about judgment.

Revelation 12:10 - “For the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.”

➡️ God rebukes constant accusation—He restores.

3. Irritators

These are the ones who agitate the anointing. They will wound you, then ask why you’re bleeding. They provoke reactions and thrive on responses. Instead of engaging, put on your spiritual headphones—worship, rejoice, and dance before the Lord with all your might.

Proverbs 26:4 - “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.”

➡️ Not every provocation deserves a response.

4. Negotiators

Like Job’s friends, negotiators push compromise. They urge you to settle, to second-guess what God has already spoken, and to doubt your divine encounters. Be careful not to trade conviction for comfort or clarity for consensus.

Galatians 1:10 - “For do I now persuade men, or God?… if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”

➡️ Obedience to God cannot be negotiated.

5. Inflators

Inflators magnify situations beyond reality. Gossip grows in their presence. Remember this truth: those who gossip to you will gossip about you. People may complain about your glory, but they don’t know your story—or the process God brought you through.

Proverbs 16:28 - “A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.”

➡️ Gossip multiplies damage and drains spiritual oil.

6. Indoctrinators

These individuals build doctrines around your failures. When you stumble, they declare, “See, I told you so.” They may appear religious and methodical, but their attitudes often lack grace. While they call your actions unbiblical, their spirit is just as misaligned.

Matthew 7:1–2 - “Judge not, that ye be not judged…”

➡️ Grace must accompany truth.

The oil cost Jesus His life.

Keeping the oil in your life will cost you something.

But not keeping the oil will cost you far more.

Jesus is fixing to come back, so get ready - don't waste your oil on spirits and things that will empty you dry.

Do. Not. Waste. Your. Oil.

Protect Your Vessel

2 Corinthians 4:7 - “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”

➡️ The oil is precious—even if the vessel is fragile.

Final Encouragement

1 Thessalonians 5:6 - “Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.”

Stay ready. Stay faithful. Stay filled. Stay awake. Stay focused. Protect your anointing, remain obedient to the voice of God, and keep your vessel ready. What God has poured into you is intentional—and it is needed for the days ahead.

Staying Filled

Ephesians 5:18 - “Be not drunk with wine… but be filled with the Spirit.”

➡️ The filling must be continuous.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for the oil You have placed upon our lives. Help us to guard it wisely and pour it only where You lead. Give us discernment to recognize what drains us and strength to walk away from what does not glorify You. Fill us afresh with Your Spirit, renew our joy, and keep our hearts ready for Your return. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Romans 11:29 - “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.”

➡️ What God poured into you was intentional—don’t waste it.

About the Columnist

Bro. David Woodard is a faith leader and speaker committed to sharing biblical truth, encouragement, and hope through practical, Scripture-based messages. He is available for preaching engagements, special services, and church revivals.

Phone/Text: 256-393-4992

Email: DWoodard4Bama@gmail.com

If you would like to learn more about Jesus and salvation, or if you are in need of prayer, Bro. Woodard welcomes you to reach out.

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