Parallels of The Ten Virgins --Then and Now

I think God is trying to teach me something about being prepared. Last night in my scripture study (which I was led to from two individual hymns that quietly played into my my thoughts during the day) I found a repeating theme in the scripture references-preparedness.

There is a variety of scriptural meaning within the story of the ten virgins, such as being prepared with our own testimony of the Savior, but I think this can also symbolically be related to our lives as it relates to the most difficult challenges we each be called to endure.

When we are called to face those moments of crisis WILL WE BE PREPARED to look to the Savior, Jesus Christ with wholehearted faith, or we will crumble under the despair of doubt and heartaches of confusion. I do not know the "day nor the hour (Matthew 25:13)" but I hope to be ready when I am called to my door of spiritual battles. I'm working really hard each day to try and improve, so that I can be prepared. It's been slow going, but a little change is better than no change at all. (See more commentary at the end:)
 
Here are the scriptures I read: Matthew 25:

1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

Paul Steven Grass, 1978

2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:

4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps aare gone out.

9 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.

10 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.

11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

































13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Doctrine and Covenants 133:

10 Yea, let the cry go forth among all people: Awake and arise and go forth to meet the Bridegroom; behold and lo, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Prepare yourselves for the great day of the Lord.

11 Watch, therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour.
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I have found several interesting analyses regarding the10 Virgins. Here are some quotes from each article in brief:

"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)."

http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/converted-unto-the-lord?lang=eng

"Being ready means preparing for whatever contingency arises in our lives and keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus at all times while we eagerly await His coming. As seen in the fact that all the virgins were sleeping when the call came indicates that it doesn’t matter what we are doing when Christ returns. We may be working, eating, sleeping, or pursuing leisure activities. Whatever it is, we must be doing it in such a way that we don’t have to “make things right” (get more oil) when He comes.

They have saving faith and have determined that, whatever occurs, be it lengthy time or adverse circumstances, when Jesus returns, they will be looking with eagerness. The five virgins without the oil represent false believers who enjoy the benefits of the Christian community without true love for Christ. They are more concerned about the party than about longing to see the bridegroom. Their hope is that their association with true believers (“give us some of your oil” of verse 8) will bring them into the kingdom at the end. This, of course, is never the case. One person’s faith in Jesus cannot save another. The “Lord, lord” and “I do not know you” of verses 11 and 12 fit very well with Jesus’ condemnation of the false believers of Matthew 7:21-23, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter."

http://www.gotquestions.org/parable-ten-virgins.html

Our preparation comes by making daily choices---whether we are a man or woman, we must decide whether we are going to be "wise" or"foolish."

• Do we decide to wake up by getting down on our knees (or just sitting to pray if we don't have the health to kneel) to pray?  Or do we first get up and turn on the T.V. first, read the newspaper, or get on the computer, or start texting friends?

• Do we study the word of God through scriptures or articles, or do we watch the latest and funniest YouTube video or Netflix movie instead?

• Do we try to make choices that would make our loving Heavenly Father happy?  (Or if that's too big a concept for you right now, then think of someone who you love and respect, and want to please.  Someone who is tries to live a Godly life.)

Wherever you are, and no matter what conditions you find yourself living in, I hope you know that you can improve your life.  It's going to take work and effort on your part, but God is always there to help you along.  We are each loved and understood by our Maker.  Start out small, and you'll soon see that you will grow stronger and stronger, as you strengthen your spiritual muscles. 

I'm rooting for you!
Christine