I was 13 years old when I realised I was a sinner in need of a saviour. I am so grateful to God that, when I was so lost, He found me. God says, “Remember your creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come.” Ecclesiastes 12v1

Fast forward, and suddenly I am in my 60’s. I have now lived longer than I have left to live, a sobering thought!

There is a story in the Bible about 10 pure people who were waiting for the bridegroom. Half of them were wise and took oil for their lamps, but for the foolish ones, the oil in their lamps ran out before the bridegroom returned. They asked their friends for help but were told to go and buy more for themselves in town. While they were gone the bridegroom arrived and they all went into the feast. How sad for the 5 who had gone to buy more oil, for the doors were shut and they could not go in!  Matthew 25v1-13

I have often wondered why the 5 with oil didn’t help the 5 without oil. It seems so unkind and lacking in generosity.

In the Bible, oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. I have read, “in our lives the oil of preparedness is accumulated by righteous living.” In other words, it’s my walk with God and the measure to which I submit to the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit which will produce the oil in my life.

I can read many good books and hear many great sermons but unless they become true in my life, they are not oil for my lamp.

Psalm 90v12 says, “Teach us to number our days so that we might gain a heart of Wisdom.”

I am trying, this lent, to be more aware of the hours and minutes of my days. Not to earn my salvation. but to walk more closely with the Holy Spirit. That does not mean I am living an exhausting schedule, times of rest are ordained by God. I am seeking to discern where He is leading by spending more time with Him and for His Yes and Amen to be always on my lips.

 

How we make use of our time matters to God.