“Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:23). These words shine with quiet power. In a world that praises self assertion, God honors a soul that is gentle, steady, and governed by the Spirit. Meekness is not weakness. Temperance is not denial without purpose. Together, they form the kind of life that is ready for the coming of the Bridegroom.
In Matthew 25:1 to 13, Jesus taught of ten virgins, five wise and five foolish. All had lamps. All waited. But only the wise carried oil with their lamps. When the cry came, “Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him,” the foolish discovered too late that outward appearance was not enough. Their lamps were not prepared for the delay, the darkness, or the hour of testing.
This is where meekness and temperance meet wisdom. A meek heart does not rush ahead in pride, but waits on God with humility. A temperate heart does not live carelessly, but keeps itself in holy order. The wise virgins were not merely religious in appearance. They were prepared inwardly. Their oil speaks of a life filled and sustained by the Spirit, a life that has learned self control, patience, and quiet obedience.
Jesus is teaching us that readiness is not built in a moment. It is formed daily in the secret place. Every act of meekness, every choice of temperance, every surrender of self, adds oil to the lamp. The foolish virgins assumed there would always be time to prepare later. But wisdom knows that delay can expose what discipline would have prevented.
The child of God who walks in meekness and temperance is not easily shaken. Such a believer is not ruled by impulse, appetite, or pride. Instead, the heart remains watchful, the lamp remains trimmed, and the oil remains ready. This is the life that can endure the night and still shine when the Bridegroom appears.
May we be found among the wise, not because we are strong in ourselves, but because we have yielded to the Spirit. Let us keep our lamps burning with holy living, humble waiting, and steadfast faith.
Self assessment questions:
1. Is my life marked by meekness, or by pride and self will?
2. Am I practicing temperance in the daily choices that shape my spiritual readiness?
3. Do I depend on outward appearance, or on inward oil from the Holy Spirit?
4. Am I living as one who truly expects the Bridegroom to come?
5. What habits do I need to surrender so my lamp may stay trimmed and burning?
