From: Paul Gage
LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD OCTOBER 13, 2022
Greetings to the Saints Around the World, Grace be to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,
The thought and hope of truly living in the Kingdom of God when established in its fullness should cause each one who desires to live in that Kingdom to do some serious soul searching. Recently, in many ways, including the recent message given at Kirtland, Ohio, September 24, 2022, the parable of the Ten Virgins, as found in Matthew 25:1-12 has been referred to in sermons, classes, etc.
The parable begins like this, “And then, at that day, before the Son of man comes, the kingdom of heaven shall be likened unto ten virgins, who took their lamps and went forth to meet the bridegroom.” We have heard this story many times, in our church life, but do we give thought to what it tells us? It seems clear that half of those who went to meet the bridegroom (Jesus) did not/will not be ready. They were told by Jesus, “Ye know me not.” Verse 11 in the Inspired Version.
Doctrine and Covenants 45:10 b “And at that day when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins; for they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived.” That was their oil and why they could not share it with the foolish. Read 45:10 c,d to see the reward of the wise.
Which group do you think you are in? Church membership, good attendance, making your accounting, etc. does not guarantee that we have the right oil in our lamps. How often do you check the oil in your vehicle? How often should we “check the oil” in our lamps? If a natural disaster strikes today or this week we might not be able to get to or use our vehicles. If Jesus comes today, this week or when, you can’t get the right oil at Walmart. This parable is talking about Spiritual oil, the kind you can only get from God.
There has also been considerable reminding the Saints, in our daily walk, to “Put on the whole armor of God,” Ephesians 6. The first word in 6:10 is, “Finally, which means we must be aware of what is said in all the verses preceding that verse. In other words, read the entire book of Ephesians.
Also, references to D&C 86, the Word of Wisdom. It says it is “Adapted to the capacity of the weak, and the weakest of all Saints who are or can be called Saints.” We have all of God’s commandments and counsel in the Three Standard Books. Do we really need any more “resolutions” to force us to hear and heed God’s Word? If we are not making a strong dedicated effort to obey God, will another written directive make any difference?
The Lord has provided all the directives we need, as a church, and as individuals to assist in “Building up His Kingdom and establishing His Righteousness.” He has given us all the guidelines we need to maintain order in the church. Our challenge, as individuals, families, groups, Branches etc. is to trust and obey.
Everyone, every day needs to “check” their Spiritual oil (keeping all the commandments) to see if we are really “living in the Kingdom,” now, so when Jesus comes back, we will be ready to meet Him and go in to the Marriage.
God bless and keep you
Paul Gage
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