The Divine Arithmetic of Preparedness: A Study of the Ten Virgins

Brothers and Sisters, we are called to be watchers, to discern the signs of the times, and to prepare diligently for the day when the Lord returns. The parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) is a constant summons to that preparedness, a stark reminder of the consequences of complacency. It’s not merely a quaint story to be relegated to Primary lessons; it is a living prophecy demanding a renewed and rigorous examination.

Recently, I’ve been struck by the frequency with which this parable has been addressed by the Brethren. Elder Anderson, in the video below, highlights a fascinating pattern: Elder Bednar has spoken of the ten virgins three times in General Conference, Elder Rasband three years ago, and Elder Renlund last April alongside President Oaks. And, as Elder Anderson astutely observes, the number three itself was emphasized three times by Elder Bednar. What is the significance of this repeated numerical emphasis?

Some might dismiss this as mere coincidence, but we Latter-day Saints understand that the Lord frequently employs symbolic language and patterns to draw our attention to vital truths. Consider the threefoldness found throughout scripture: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; the three Nephites. The number three often represents divine witness and a complete manifestation of truth. The Brethren’s repeated focus on the parable, underscored by the recurring number three, signals a divine urgency – a call to sharpen our focus and intensify our preparations.

President Eyring’s teaching on the “law of authorized witnesses” further illuminates this matter. To be an authorized witness requires not only understanding but also a testimony, a personal connection to the truth that compels us to share it. The parable of the ten virgins is not about intellectual assent; it’s about a living, breathing readiness – a preparedness that permeates our actions and our hearts.

The distinction between the wise and foolish virgins isn't merely about having oil; it’s about the quality of that oil, the depth of our faith, and the constant tending of the flame of the Spirit within us. It's about more than attending meetings; it’s about daily scripture study, fervent prayer, and a relentless pursuit of righteousness. It’s about living a life worthy of the covenants we have made.

Think of the temple—a place of profound covenants. Are we truly living in a way that prepares us to enter those sacred spaces and receive the blessings promised within? Are we diligent in our callings, seeking to serve others and build up the Church?

The Lord’s warnings are not meant to instill fear, but to inspire action. They are invitations to draw closer to Him, to strengthen our faith, and to become more like Him. The divine arithmetic of the ten virgins—the threes within the threes—is a call to deepen our study, to increase our diligence, and to prepare with unwavering resolve for the second coming.

Let us, therefore, examine our own hearts, ensure that our lamps are trimmed and burning brightly, and be counted among the wise virgins who are ready to welcome the Lord when He returns.