Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. - 2 Corinthians 7:1
There is a saying, that we use as part of our United Methodist Culture. We may not utilize it all of the time, but I’m sure you will remember this as you read. The leader says: “God is Good…” and the congregation will respond: “All the time.” Following, the reverse will be said, as if to remind ourselves of this infinite truth of God – “God is good all the time; all the time, God is good.”
It’s easy for us to say things like this when we believe that is true, when the oil of joy (Psalm 45) is being poured over us. When all is right in the world; however, there are other times, we say this as if we really need that reassurance. When darkness is covering us. When grief overwhelms us. When we are battling the forces and principalities of this world. When nothing seems to go as it should. When we are down and out, and ready to give up. These are the times, all the more, we need the reminder that God is good all the time…
Shauna Niequist (Daughter of Bill Hybels, pastor of Willow Creek) has a great little book entitled Present Over Perfect. While this book is more a series of essays, one particular essay has captured my heart over and over again. The essay is entitled, “Oil and Vinegar.” In this essay, Niequist remarks that our life, and especially our prayer life is like a bottle of oil and vinegar sitting on a table at a restaurant. The two are separated, the vinegar has risen to the top, and the rich oil has settled and is waiting at the bottom. In order to get to the riches of the oil, you have to first pour out the vinegar.
In our prayers before God, we desire the riches of the oil, but so much of our life is filled with vinegar. We need to be reminded, that if we are to achieve the perfect holiness (the oil), purifying ourselves of everything that contaminates the body and spirit (the vinegar), we have to pour out the vinegar first, we have to give to God everything, and I mean everything. We give to God our grief, our fear, our worry, all that is not good in us. We do so, that we can then salivate, and enjoy the riches of the oil that God gives as we live in His Holy presence, because all the time; God is good.
The goodness of God is sometimes mixed in with the vinegar of life, but that richness is what makes life enjoyable. May the richness of God’s love, mercy, and grace meet you today and always. Amen.
Grace & Peace,
Sam