Abide the Day in Christ

Understanding the Parable of the Ten Virgins

Sister Wright uses the parable of the ten virgins to highlight the importance of spiritual preparedness. In the parable, the wise virgins who brought oil for their lamps were prepared for the bridegroom's arrival, while the foolish ones were not. This parable serves as a metaphor for being spiritually prepared for the coming of the Lord.

“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. “And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

• What is the significance of the oil in the parable of the ten virgins?
• How does this parable relate to our spiritual preparedness for the coming of the Lord?
• How can you ensure that you are spiritually prepared for the coming of the Lord?
• What can you do to "fill your lamp" with spiritual oil?

Experiencing Peace Through Spiritual Preparedness

Sister Wright shares her personal experience with cancer to illustrate the peace that comes from being spiritually prepared. When faced with her diagnosis, she found comfort in knowing that her family was spiritually prepared, regardless of whether she lived or died. This peace came from their knowledge of prayer, scriptures, repentance, resurrection, the Restoration, the plan of salvation, eternal families, and the doctrine of Jesus Christ.

I have learned from personal experience that spiritual preparation for the coming of the Lord is not only essential but the only way to find true peace and happiness.

In that moment every family home evening lesson, scripture study session, prayer of faith offered, blessing given, testimony shared, covenant made and kept, house of the Lord attended, and Sabbath day observed mattered—oh, how it mattered!

• How did Sister Wright's spiritual preparation bring her peace during her cancer diagnosis?
• What spiritual practices did Sister Wright mention as being crucial to her family's spiritual preparedness?
• How can you apply Sister Wright's experience to your own spiritual preparation?
• What spiritual practices can you implement or strengthen in your own life to prepare for the coming of the Lord?

Abiding the Day in Christ

Sister Wright teaches that Jesus Christ makes it possible for us to "abide the day." This does not mean adding to an ever-increasing to-do list, but rather focusing our efforts and gathering the Light of Jesus Christ. She emphasizes the need for more holy and revelatory experiences and the importance of nourishing our souls with things pertaining to righteousness.

Jesus Christ makes it possible for us to “abide the day.” Abiding the day does not mean adding to an ever-increasing to-do list. Think of a magnifying glass. Its sole purpose is not simply to make things appear bigger. It can also gather and focus light to make it more powerful.

Like “the dews of Carmel,” as we seek to nourish our souls “with things pertaining to righteousness,” “small and simple things,” our testimonies and the testimonies of our children will live!

• What does it mean to "abide the day" in Christ?
• How can we "gather" the Light of Jesus Christ in our lives?
• How can you "abide the day" in your own life?
• What small and simple things can you do to nourish your soul with things pertaining to righteousness?

Sharing His Light

Sister Wright emphasizes that while we cannot share our oil, we can share His light. This means that while we cannot give others our spiritual preparation, we can help illuminate the path that leads to the Savior. She assures that nothing we have or have not done is beyond the reach of His infinite and eternal sacrifice.

My dear friends, we cannot share our oil, but we can share His light. Oil in our lamps will not only help us “abide the day” but can also be the means of illuminating the path that leads those we love to the Savior, who stands ready “with open arms to receive” them.

Jesus Christ is the “hope in thine end.” Nothing we have or have not done is beyond the reach of His infinite and eternal sacrifice.

• What does Sister Wright mean when she says we cannot share our oil, but we can share His light?
• How can our spiritual preparation help illuminate the path to the Savior for others?
• How can you share His light with those around you?
• How does knowing that nothing is beyond the reach of His sacrifice affect your view of your own spiritual journey?

Experiencing Joy in Christ

Sister Wright testifies that eternal life is eternal joy, which can be experienced in this life, right now, despite the challenges we face. She assures that through Jesus Christ, tears will dry up, broken hearts will be mended, lost things will be found, concerns will be resolved, families will be restored, and we will receive all that the Father hath.

Eternal life is eternal joy. Joy in this life, right now—not despite the challenges of our day but because of the Lord’s help to learn from and ultimately overcome them—and immeasurable joy in the life to come.

Look to Jesus Christ and live is my testimony in the sacred and holy name of the beloved “Shepherd and Bishop of [our] souls,” Jesus Christ, amen.

• What does Sister Wright mean when she says that eternal life is eternal joy?
• How can we experience joy in this life despite our challenges?
• How have you experienced joy in Christ despite the challenges you've faced?
• What steps can you take to focus more on the joy that comes from Jesus Christ?