Did You Notice a Repeating Parable This General Conference?
Three speakers mentioned the parable of the ten virgins—what does this mean for you?
Do you feel prepared for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ? I’m not so sure I do.
Often, hearing the parable of the ten virgins makes me wonder how ready I am for Christ’s return, as it symbolizes the importance of preparation.
You know the story—in the parable, ten virgins attended a wedding. Only five brought oil to fill their lamps. When the bridegroom arrived, the five without oil had to leave to purchase more. Before they returned, the door to the wedding feast was shut, so they missed the celebration. The five foolish virgins tried to enter, but the bridegroom said, “Ye know me not” (Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 25:12 [in Matthew 25:12, footnote a]).
This parable was especially popular this general conference and was mentioned by multiple speakers. Here are three lessons on being prepared for the Second Coming:
Be ready to share your light.
President Camille N. Johnson, Relief Society General President, taught that we must be ready to share our light.
President Johnson said: “We are commanded to share His light. So keep your lamp full of the oil of conversion to Jesus Christ and be prepared to keep your lamp trimmed and burning bright. Then let that light shine.”
Filling up your lamp includes keeping your testimony alive and burning bright through action. Nurturing your faith can help it grow strong enough to be shared with others, thus helping you be ready for the Savior’s return.
Remember, no one else can do this for you.
Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that we must do three things to be wise and prepared:
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Accept the gospel
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Seek to have the Holy Ghost with us
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Avoid deception
Elder Renlund said: “The five wise virgins could not help those without oil; no one can accept the gospel, take the Holy Ghost as a guide, and avoid deception on our behalf. We have to do this for ourselves.”
Your conversion and faith belong to you. You are in charge of putting in the work to be prepared and devoted. Your faith in Jesus Christ is in your hands.
Do the daily things that connect you to heaven.
President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, discussed the lack of preparation among people today. The parable suggests that half of us will be prepared for the Lord to come again.
“We all know examples of the unprepared,” said President Oaks. “Such deviations occur when members fail to follow the fundamental spiritual maintenance plan of personal prayer, regular scripture study, and frequent repentance.”
Your everyday spiritual habits are what will help you be prepared for the Savior’s return. It doesn’t take big acts—it takes small, consistent acts to keep your lamp burning (see Alma 37:6).
You Will Know Him
As you do the spiritual work to prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, your faith will grow. Your relationship with Him will get stronger, and you will know Him. Spending time with Him is one of the best ways to know Him, and in return, He will know you too.
Your preparation doesn’t have to be a monumental, complicated plan—it’s about small steps to become like the Savior. Nurture your testimony and take charge of your conversion. Nobody is perfect at discipleship, but the Lord loves you, and He especially loves your effort.