In Mathew Chapter 25 we find the story of The Ten Virgins.
Five were wise
Five were foolish
Each had received an invitation to the wedding and had accepted that invitation.
Each was patiently waiting, anxious for the wedding feast, thinking they were prepared.
We know the Savior is coming again, we don’t know when but we do know we are living in the last days. We have been warned to watch, to prepare and to be ready for this wonderful event.
“And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins, For they that are wise and have received the truth,… and have not been deceived – verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day” . (D&C 45:56-57)
Like the ten virgins some are wise and will be ready but others will not know Him when He comes. Are we among the five that are wise, are we prepared to face Him? Do we have His image in our countenance? He will know us when He comes again, will we know Him, and will our oil lamp be full?
The oil in the parable represents our faith and testimony, our purity and dedication, our good works, and our keeping of covenants – all of the ways in which we have “taken the Holy Spirit for our guide” (D&C 45:57)
The wise virgins could not share their oil with the foolish virgins because “the oil of spiritual preparedness, cannot be shared” (Marvin J. Ashton, “A Time of Urgency,” Ensign, May 1974,36)
Our oil is collected drop by drop.
•As we accept the Holy Ghost as our constant companion.
•As we accept Jesus Christ as our personal savior and follow His example of obedience to the Father, in all things, in all places and at all times.
•As we attend Sacrament meeting each week and renew our Baptismal Covenants.
•As we humble ourselves each day in prayer for guidance knowing we cannot do it ourselves.
•As we read and ponder the sacred words of Prophets both old and new, gaining the knowledge and understanding we need, to become, through the atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ worthy of exaltation.
•As we learn to cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another, understand one another and accept one another as the Savior does.
