- Be Prepared.
- Don't get distracted from what is truly important.
- Beware of peer pressure.
- Spend time with God.
- Look forward to the next time that you get to spend with God.
- You are responsible for your own relationship with God.
All of these are valid lessons that can be learned from the parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins. The story is roughly this: There are ten virgins who were awaiting the bridegroom. Half of the virgins were cautious about their supply of fuel for their lamps. As it turned out, the bridegroom arrived at night time and half of the virgins were unable to participate in the wedding because they had no fuel.
Parables, in Jesus' use, are stories that illustrate truths. This one, as most of the parables, are filled with many lessons. But for now, let's focus on just two.
First of all, pray all the time. You never know when you will need to be in prayer. A crisis may arise and you will need to be praying. Always be ready for whatever is needed from you in terms of prayer. Do not get distracted. Press on and pray! Half of the virgins in this story were sorely disappointed because they did not pray when they should have.
Secondly, remember that you are responsible for your own relationship with God. You cannot blame your lifeless prayers on your mother, your Sunday School teacher or your pastor. You have to purchase your own oil for your lamp. If you do not have enough oil to see, it is your own fault.
These are hard lessons, but they are completely true. Do your own work in the prayer closet.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner. I do not always pray as I should. I am not always prepared for your presence in my life. Help me in this area. Open my heart. Fill me with commitment to spend time with you. Build in me a love for those things that are important to you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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