Keeping Our Lamps Lit: Readiness in the Day of the Lord

Brothers and sisters, if there’s one theme that echoes through the scriptures—from the Book of Mormon to the latest teachings of the restored gospel—it is the theme of *readiness*. We talk so much about the blessings we receive, the covenants we keep, and the wonderful work we are called to do in the field. But sometimes, amidst the excitement of a new calling or the deep satisfaction of a successful mission discussion, we can get so focused on the *doing* that we forget to focus on the *being*.

It reminds me of a time I was serving, and we were deep in study, discussing the covenants. We were so focused on what we *could* teach or what we *should* do next, that we almost forgot to pause and simply feel the Spirit’s steady warmth. It struck me: Are we just going through the motions, or is the oil actually in the lamp?

The Parable of the Ten Virgins is a classic, and it gets talked about everywhere. It’s a powerful illustration from the Olivet Discourse, and while the surface narrative is simple—ten lamps, five wise, five foolish—the implication for us, as disciples of Jesus Christ, is profound. It’s not just about showing up; it’s about *what* we bring with us when the Bridegroom arrives.

The Essential Oil: More Than Just Knowledge

When we look closely at this parable, the "oil" isn't just a physical commodity; it’s a metaphor for something vital—something internal. It speaks to the Spirit, to the covenant keeping, and to the continuous nurturing of our faith. The foolish virgins had lamps, they were prepared in appearance, but they lacked the sustaining element. They had the vessel, but not the fuel.

As we strive to be Internet missionaries, to share the gospel from our living rooms, our workplaces, and our online spheres, we can easily become knowledgeable. We can memorize verses, we can quote prophets, and we can even navigate the complexities of a challenging investigator question with the help of Davee’s AI Investigator role. But knowledge, by itself, is insufficient. We need the Spirit’s oil.

This isn't meant to cause fear, dear friends. It’s meant to spur us toward deeper discipleship. It’s a call to vigilance, yes, but more importantly, it’s a call to *nurture*. How do we keep our lamps lit? We keep studying, we keep gathering, and we keep ministering to one another.

If you are feeling the pull to deepen your study, I highly recommend revisiting the teachings on this topic. James Montgomery Boice’s The Parables of Jesus is a gem that really helps frame the context. It’s available in LivingBook, and I think it will give us all a rich framework for our own personal revelation.

A Bite-Sized Skill: The Pause

Here’s a small skill for us this week, a practice I’ve found incredibly helpful in my own missionary preparation. When you are studying scripture or preparing to talk to someone—whether it’s in a Book Club setting or just in your own quiet time—I challenge you to build in a mandatory 30-second pause. Don't rush to the answer or the next point. Just pause. Breathe. And ask the Spirit, "What do you want me to feel right now?" That pause is where the oil is replenished.

We are all disciples anywhere, all the time. Whether you are a seasoned returned missionary preparing for transfers, a brand-new disciple finding your footing, or someone just starting to explore the gospel, the principle remains: Keep watch, and keep filling up.

If you want to keep this momentum going, please join our next online gathering! We'll be discussing covenant keeping and the Spirit's promptings. You can find all the details for the get-together link in the comments below. If you're new to this, don't hesitate to check out the Bible Study Groups in HolyPlaces—it’s a wonderful place to connect with others on this journey.

Remember, the ultimate goal of all our efforts, whether through the formal structure of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or through our quiet, personal study, is to be ready for Him. Let’s keep our lamps burning brightly for Him!