Divine Tool #4: Oil for Engines
What are Divine Tools?
Divine tools are 100% available to any Christian, at any time. Regular use of these tools transforms our character. We become more like our Master, Jesus. Yet many believers never pick up and use the divine tools God has given us.
Why?
Simply because each one is cleverly disguised as a command. Rebellious or lazy believers refuse to obey the Lord. So their life remains a mess.
The Industrial Revolution
When inventors first created steam engines, they needed oil to lubricate the moving parts.
The Industrial revolution began when Thomas Newcomen invented the “Newcomen atmospheric engine” in 1712. This was the first commercially successful steam-powered engine, used to pump water out of mines. Later his steam engine supplied river water to towns and cities, and cleared flooded areas. Roughly 600 Newcomen engines were built over the next 75 years.
In the 1760s, James Watt improved upon the original design. His engine used 75% less fuel. 
Throughout the decade, he continued to refine his engine, inventing pressure gauges, and steam regulators. Watt also created throttle valves. These allowed the engineer to control the amount of steam flowing from the boiler to the cylinders and pistons. Suddenly steam-powered factories and ships changed the way everyone lived.
By the 1820s and 1830s, a national railroad system developed in Great Britain and the U.S. Steam locomotives soon matched or exceeded a horse’s top speed. But the true value? These steam engines could haul much heavier loads over longer distances, without losing power.
Early Motor Oils Used.
All industrial engines require oil to cut down on friction between moving mechanical parts. In the beginning, engineers used animal fat or tallow. Tallow worked very well, but it had one drawback. 
The fatty acids dissolved when exposed to steam. This forced engineers to shut down their steam engines frequently and re-apply oil manually to all the moving parts.
So early inventors sometimes used vegetable oil instead. But this oil had it’s own problems. Unlike tallow, the vegetable oil didn’t mix well with the steam, so the water droplets tended to wash it away. At high heat, this oil also would break down and became like glue, causing the pistons to seize up and making the valves stick.
Finally, engines lubricated with these oils rusted very easily. Engineers tried mineral oil, but found it shared the same drawbacks as vegetable oil. It produced the same type of sticky sludge at high temperatures.
Obviously, a better motor oil was needed.
Progress in Motor Oils
- In 1866, John Ellis created the first 100% petroleum motor oil. He also founded the company which became known as Valvoline.
- Six years later in 1872, black American inventor Elijah McCoy patented his “oil-drip cup.” It was an automatic lubricating device. This device sent a steady flow of oil to all parts of the
engine, while it was running. Other inventors developed inferior versions, but engineers demanded “the Real McCoy” because Elijah’s invention proved to be much more reliable and efficient. That’s where the saying came from. - By the1920s, people were creating multi-grade oils. This allowed engines to function smoothly across a wider range of temperatures.
- In the 1940s, World War II sparked creativity, leading to the development of the first synthetic oils for jeeps, tanks and other military machines. The new aircraft engines ran much hotter. They needed a new type of oil which would remain thick at higher temperatures. The synthetic oils also protected engines in very cold environments.
Later refinements followed.
Motor Oil
Auto mechanics suggest changing the oil regularly. Why? because old oil starts to break down. it leads to:
- Sludge: the oil thickens and begins to clog up sections of the engine. The oil can no longer flow freely.
- Friction: without free flowing oil, parts start grinding against each other, producing heat and damage.
- Carbon Deposits: dirty oil can cause valves to stick, increasing fuel consumption, poor performance and greater pollution.
- Overheating: lack of oil can ruin a car’s engine, causing it to seize up permanently.
Replacing the oil regularly protects all a car’s moving parts.
What’s the spiritual equivalent of engine oil? Being thankful.
My Spiritual Point
In the same way, a persistent habit of thankfulness protects the human heart from bitterness, envy, jealousy, discontent and especially self-pity. Focusing on our blessings is a wise choice. Being thankful every day produces greater inner contentment.
6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. (Colossians 2:6-7 NIV)
These images came from Pixabay.com.
Resources:
I just felt led to share one more Scripture with you, Isaiah 61:3
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor.(Isaiah 61:3 NIV)
