August 14, 2010

Tonight I read the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 along with a few quotes by Spencer W. Kimball. This struck me as I read. President Kimball says, "The kind of oil that is needed to illuminate the way and light up the darkness is not shareable. How can one share obedience to the principle of tithing; a mind at peace from righteous living; and accumulation of knowledge? How can one share faith or testimony? How can one share attitudes or chastity, or the experiences of a mission? How can one share temple privileges?" And Bruce R. McConkie says, "Every man must light his own lamp with the oil of righteousness which he buys at the market of obedience." I have a testimony of the principle of obedience for myself. I have grown in my own personal righteousness because of my choices to be obedient. And it's true, it isn't oil that can be shared because it takes years to accumulate. I'm always willing to share my testimony of the principles of righteousness and how they have impacted my life, but another person won't gain their own testimony of those things until they pay the price of diligent obedience. I am glad I've made that choice for it truly brings so much joy into my life.