Parable of the 10 Virgins

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ taught the parable of the 10 virgins. This parable is found in the Gospel of Matthew. It reads as follows:

“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.

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

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

Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” (Matthew 25:1-13)

This parable hit me hard recently. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints observe the first Sunday of the month as fast Sunday. On this Sunday, members and non-members alike are invited to fast for 24 hours and donate the amount saved on meals. This money goes to welfare programs and helps support local community members.

On this last fast Sunday, I did not prepare my mind and heart. I was trapped in this loop of watching my nephew, other life responsibilities, and personal things that took my attention. I was not focused on it being fast Sunday or what I was going to fast for. When I finally realized it was fast Sunday and I was not giving it my all, my heart sunk. I realized I was missing out on all sorts of blessings and opportunities because of my own pride and vanity.

I took a moment, asked God for forgiveness, and began a fast. During this time, I thought about the parable of the 10 virgins. I was not prepared to participate in the fast and as such, missed out on the opportunity to grow closer to the Savior. I couldn’t rely on someone else’s actions to pull me along. I was an agent unto myself and I made the conscience decision to do what I did.

I also realized the parallels to addiction. While I was participating in my addiction, I was not preparing, nor was I prepared, to meet the bridegroom when he came. Instead, I was off somewhere else, looking for other pleasures of the world and distractions. I didn’t realize what I had missed: a special opportunity to grow closer to my Savior.

Fortunately, repentance is a powerful tool. I changed my life, and I know anyone can change their life too. The parable of the 10 virgins is a great reminder that life will throw anything at you to distract you from preparing for the Savior - this includes addiction. As we seek out the opportunity to prepare for Him, we will see Him, and be ready to serve Him when we are called upon!