“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.” (Matthew 25:1-10)

The Importance of Personal Preparation

Spiritual Self-Sufficiency

This parable mirrors the state of many believers today who are unprepared with their own spiritual oil for whatever each day may bring. Isn’t it true that many do not know how to receive directly from the throne room, relying instead on the revelations of others to understand spiritual matters? Too often, we shortchange the Holy Spirit in our own lives because, instead of sitting at the feet of Jesus like Mary, we stand in the other room (like Martha), hoping to overhear what Jesus is saying. We watch others on social media or go to church and end up going from person to person seeking oil.