Oil is one of the most precious commodities in the world today. The prestige of nations and the balance of political power are influenced by the lack or excess of it. This situation depicts a deeper, spiritual need, one that can be met through the teachings of Christian Science.
Mrs. Eddy writes, "Metaphysics resolves things into thoughts, and exchanges the objects of sense for the ideas of Soul." Science and Health, p. 269. What is the spiritual idea that underlies the many references to the word "oil" in the Bible? Though petroleum differs from biblical oil, do the Bible's teachings still have meaning for us today? In the Glossary of Science and Health Mrs. Eddy defines "oil" this way: "Consecration; charity; gentleness; prayer; heavenly inspiration." Ibid., p. 592.
All people need this oil, and we all have a source of supply, a bottomless well that never dries up. From this well we obtain oil of the highest quality. A desire to understand more of the nature of God and His reflection, man, will give us access to its supply. We need a deep consecration in our study of the Bible and Mrs. Eddy's writings; an unshakable and inviolable charity; a gentleness that is the outcome of spiritual strength; prayer based on our oneness with God, infinite good; and the inspiration that will free us from the belief that we live in a material universe and are subject to its conditions.
