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Foolish convenience

By Pastor Matt Ewart

Jesus told a parable about ten virgins who were part of a wedding celebration. Because the celebration went past sundown, they needed to bring lamps both to light their way and so others could see who they were. But Jesus noted that five of them were foolish, and here’s why:

“The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them” (Matthew 25:3).

Because they had no extra oil with them, their lamps went out, and they weren’t allowed into the party.

Good thing we’d never do something that foolish, right? Hold on. The point is that there’s a fool in all of us.

Extra oil would have been inconvenient. It would have been another thing to plan out and carry along. So they settled for what was convenient.

As you seek to reflect God’s love in your life, do you settle for what is convenient? You are willing to wait … but only for so long. You are willing to give … but only if you get back. You are willing to love … but only if it is appreciated.

Jesus set aside all convenience for you. He willingly gave everything to make you fit for God’s presence. It was inconvenient for him to say the least, but to him, you were worth it.

So today, see if you can do one thing to reflect the lavish love that Jesus showed you. You may have to go out of your way, but the inconvenience will be worth it.

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About the Author

Pastor Matt Ewart

Matt Ewart was born and raised in Oklahoma and has lived in several different places since then, including Nebraska, Utah, Wisconsin, Colorado, and Alaska (for a summer). He has served as a pastor at NorthCross Lutheran Church in Lakeville, Minnesota, since 2014. Before that, he served churches located in Commerce City, Colorado, and Tempe, Arizona. Pastor Matt enjoys being outside, listening to podcasts, and tinkering with things in his free time. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23).

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