Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14 gives us a holy calling that is both beautiful and urgent. It is not merely a command to behave well. It is a call to live in such a way that our hearts are prepared to meet God. Peace with others and holiness before God are not separate paths. They are the lighted road of a life that is truly ready for the coming of the Lord.
This truth shines brightly in Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 25:1 to 13, the parable of the ten virgins. All ten were invited. All ten waited. All ten had lamps. But only five were wise, because only five brought oil. When the cry came, “Behold, the bridegroom cometh,” the difference was revealed. The wise had prepared in advance. Their readiness was not borrowed, borrowed peace, borrowed holiness, or borrowed oil. They had what was needed when the moment arrived.
That is the lesson for us today. The Christian life is not built on appearances, but on inward preparation. Peace with all men means we refuse bitterness, pride, strife, and revenge. Holiness means we yield ourselves to God, keeping our hearts clean and our lamps burning. We cannot wait until the last moment to seek what should have been cultivated all along. Oil cannot be rushed. It is gathered in hidden places, in prayer, obedience, repentance, worship, and faithful walking with Christ.
The wise virgins were not perfect, but they were prepared. Their wisdom was seen in their readiness. In the same way, holiness is not a performance. It is a surrendered life. Peace is not weakness. It is strength under the rule of Christ. Together, they mark the soul that is watching for the Bridegroom.
Jesus said, “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” Matthew 25:13. To watch is to live awake. To live awake is to keep our lamps trimmed, our hearts humble, our relationships clear, and our lives consecrated. The Lord is coming for a people who are not merely informed, but transformed.
Today, ask the Lord to fill your lamp with fresh oil. Seek peace. Pursue holiness. Live ready. For the wise are not those who only hear the promise, but those who prepare for it.
Self assessment questions:
1. Is there any relationship in my life where I need to pursue peace more faithfully?
2. Am I allowing anything to dim the holiness of my walk with God?
3. If Jesus came today, would my lamp be full of oil?
4. What daily habits are helping me stay spiritually ready?
5. Am I living like one who truly expects the Bridegroom to come?
