Matthew 25:7-10 NKJV
7 “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’
9 “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’
10 “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
When God created man, he gave us the gift of free will. This means we have the power to choose what we want but the issue many forget is that we do not get to choose the consequences attached to our choices. Every choice we make triggers consequences, no wonder God would tell the children of Israel that he has placed before them death and life but he goes on to tell them to choose life because that is what is best for them.
The virgins had a choice to make, if they needed to carry the extra oil or not. 5 who are called wise carried the extra oil and the 5 who are called foolish did not. Maybe they did not because they thought it would be a burden to carry an extra container or they thought it would be cumbersome and inconveniencing. Whatever the reason, they made the choice not to carry extra oil even though they had no guarantee that the bridegroom would come at a certain time.
It is the same scenario with the two builders. One is called wise while the other is called foolish. The foolish one took the easy way out. He was not willing to pay the price of building his house on the rock. The wise builder on the other hand paid the price and build his house on the rock. All seemed well for both of them, none knew when the storm would come and when it did, the wisdom and foolishness in their choices was seen by what the storm did to their houses. Though they had the power to make the choices, they had no say in the consequences attached to their choices.
Our wisdom or our foolishness is displayed in what we choose to say and do.
Reflections
What is one decision you regret making and what lessons did you learn from it?
What framework do you use when you make decisions?
Deuteronomy 30:19 (NLT)
“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!
Life or Death, which one have you chosen?
