Every lamp burns because something fuels it. Without oil, the flame sputters and dies. In Jesus’ parable of the ten virgins, the difference between the wise and the foolish was not that some had lamps and others didn’t, all of them did. The dividing line was in what filled those lamps.

The wise had oil.
The foolish did not.

It’s a sobering picture, because the same question presses on us today: what’s filling you?

Lamps Without Oil

It’s possible to carry a lamp that looks ready but has no fire inside. Outward religion can look polished (church attendance, spiritual talk, the right motions) while inwardly the reservoir is dry.

The foolish virgins weren’t faithless; they were careless. They underestimated how long the night would be and assumed they could get by without reserve. Their empty lamps stood as a warning: appearance is not enough. The flame only lasts when it has fuel.

What Are You Drawing From?

Every heart is drawing from some source. For some, it’s success, money, approval, or comfort. For others, it’s distraction, social media, screens, habits, routines that numb rather than nourish. These may keep us occupied, but they cannot keep our lamps burning.

The oil that sustains faith is the presence of God Himself and the Holy Spirit dwelling within, continually renewing, guiding, convicting, and strengthening. He alone fills us with power to love, courage to endure, and joy that lasts even when the night is long.

A Call to Honest Reflection

Take a moment to pause and ask yourself:

  • What do I reach for first when I am weary? Is it God’s Word or something else?
  • Is my prayer life vibrant, or is it running on fumes?
  • Do I draw strength from God’s Spirit, or am I fueled mostly by worldly distractions?
  • If the midnight cry came tonight, would my lamp be burning?

These are not questions to shame, but to awaken.
Honest reflection is the first step toward renewal.

Refilling the Lamp

The good news is that, right now, God delights to refill empty vessels. He never turns away the one who comes thirsty. If you find your lamp dim, here are ways to let Him pour fresh oil into your life:

  • Seek Him daily. Not out of duty, but out of longing. Even a few moments of genuine prayer can reignite the flame.
  • Immerse yourself in Scripture. Let His Word be fuel, shaping how you see, think, and live.
  • Worship with abandon. Sing, praise, and lift your heart. It invites His presence.
  • Stay in community. Wise companions encourage, sharpen, and help keep your lamp trimmed.

Your Lamp, Your Story

One day, the midnight cry will sound again. The Bridegroom will come. And the only thing that will matter is this: was your lamp burning, filled with oil that could not be bought or borrowed at the last minute?

Your lamp is your life. Your oil is what fuels it.

Choose carefully.
Choose wisely.
Choose now.

Because when He comes, you will want your story to be this: “My lamp was lit. My oil was full. My heart was ready.”