Matthew tells us that watchfulness...
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Object:
Matthew tells us that watchfulness is something we must have. But what exactly is watchfulness? We are to be ready, we must be watchful, we must be wise. As we wait for the bridegroom, what is required of us? We know it is wise to be ready and foolish not to be. The coming of the bridegroom will be sudden, after long years of waiting. For followers of Christ, the outward appearance of readiness is not enough. Preparation is needed.
So how does one prepare? The virgins in the parable did so by having their lamps ready for use, trimmed and filled with oil. One way we can prepare is through a changing of our ways. Surely everyone has in his or her life something that gets in the way of receiving the bridegroom. This may be as good a time as any to look at those hindrances, the actions and motives behind those actions, and then seriously attempt to change them.
Preparation for the bridegroom, for the return of Christ, is more than being ready to light a lamp. It is also looking for that which keeps the lamp dark, so that by its removal the lamp may shine more brightly.
So how does one prepare? The virgins in the parable did so by having their lamps ready for use, trimmed and filled with oil. One way we can prepare is through a changing of our ways. Surely everyone has in his or her life something that gets in the way of receiving the bridegroom. This may be as good a time as any to look at those hindrances, the actions and motives behind those actions, and then seriously attempt to change them.
Preparation for the bridegroom, for the return of Christ, is more than being ready to light a lamp. It is also looking for that which keeps the lamp dark, so that by its removal the lamp may shine more brightly.
