Proper preparation prevents poor performance
The women gathered together to prepare for the wedding ceremony.
They desired to honor the Bridegroom and serve together in total harmony.
But five were wiser than another five who were not.
The wise brought ample oil in case their lamps went out.
The ten virgins rested as the Bridegroom tarried –
the flames flickering as they slept, while they dutifully waited.
The Bridegroom finally came and the cry was made
for the ten to go meet him with their lanterns ablaze.
The women trimmed their lamps quickly
with the wicks turned up full blast.
But in five of the lamps, the oil did not last.
The five wise ladies had nothing to spare
to help their friends whose lamps had gone out - the oil no longer there.
The foolish could not borrow that which they did not themselves secure,
for this kind of oil must be obtained persistently, day by day, year by year.
Only five wise virgins were admitted to the wedding feast that evening,
the ones who were ready because of their diligent seeking.
Since we don’t know when the bridegroom or “Prince of Peace” will come,
it is best to be prepared at all times for the greatest event in our lifetime.
This is done by filling our vessels each day with precious spiritual oil -
drops of faith, testimony and wisdom gained from the truths of gospel soil.
June 2023
Matthew 25: 1-10 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
David A. Bednar, “Converted Unto the Lord, October 2012
“Were the five wise virgins selfish and unwilling to share, or were they indicating correctly that the oil of conversion cannot be borrowed? Can the spiritual strength that results from consistent obedience to the commandments be given to another person? Can the knowledge obtained through diligent study and pondering of the scriptures be conveyed to one who is in need? Can the peace the gospel brings to a faithful Latter-day Saint be transferred to an individual experiencing adversity or great challenge? The clear answer to each of these questions is no.
As the wise virgins emphasized properly, each of us must “buy for ourselves.” These inspired women were not describing a business transaction; rather, they were emphasizing our individual responsibility to keep our lamp of testimony burning and to obtain an ample supply of the oil of conversion. This precious oil is acquired one
drop at a time—“line upon line [and] precept upon precept” (2 Nephi 28:30), patiently and persistently. No shortcut is available; no last-minute flurry of preparation is possible.
“Wherefore, be faithful, praying always, having your lamps trimmed and burning, and oil with you, that you may be ready at the coming of the Bridegroom” (D&C 33:17).”
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