Elevation Requires a “NO”
What’s goodie Good People and others?! We have made it to the second half of the year & I’m grateful for it. I know it’s been a while since you’ve heard from me. I happen to take little mini sabbaticals. Don’t charge it to my heart. However, it is a cost you have to pay sometimes when you want to stay oily. Let me further explain using a parable from the word.
When we look at Matthew 25:1-13, we see how there are 10 virgins waiting for the return of the bridegroom. 5 of them were considered foolish and the other 5 were considered wise. The 5 foolish virgins were the ones who had lamps but lacked oil for the lamps. The 5 wise virgins were the ones who had their lamps and oil ready for them. When the bridegroom returns the 5 foolish virgins request oil from the 5 wise virgins. Can you imagine the response that was given to the 5 foolish virgins? (Good thing is you don’t have to.)
In verse 9 of Matthew 25, the 5 wise virgins respond with “No, they replied, there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.”
Did you catch the “No”?
See, there are people out in the world today who will know you have the oil and think that just because you have it that they are entitled to your oil! Requesting of you to give what you have causing a possible deficit for you. It cost to carry oil. What I love about the response that the 5 wise virgins gave is that it is simple, firm and states a clear boundary. Could you imagine if the 5 wise virgins shared their oil with the foolish ones and the bridegroom in turn rejected their entrance to the wedding banquet?
As believers of Christ who desire to go higher, we have to protect our oil. Yes, sometimes it is good to help, but it’s better to stay ready so you don’t have to get ready. The 5 foolish virgins had to run to the market to buy oil because they were not fully prepared when the bridegroom returned & they missed their opportunity to enter the wedding banquet (vs 10). All because they were not fully prepared for his return. We as believers need to know when the time has come for us to keep the oil to ourselves, so we don’t miss our opportunity to attend the banquet. This parable is a prime example of how you have to be willing and able to tell others “NO” so you won’t miss your opportunity.
For me, that was once a hard thing to do. It has gotten easier to do because I have learned the importance of NO. I have learned the hard way that people will milk you until you are dry and empty if you let them all because they don’t want to pay the price to obtain their own oil. The oil cost. It can’t be produced from thin air you have to spend something on it. You have to give to get and if you desire to go higher you have to give out No’s to protect your oil. Sometimes that could look like taking a moment to yourself. In the word we see often where Jesus would give a word to the crowds that followed him and then he would retreat off for a few days to himself. He had to ensure that he could replenish the oil that he carried. Others can be draining.
I’m not saying that we as believers are not called to help others. What I am saying is sometimes the season might require you to direct someone where they can purchase their own oil while guarding the oil that you have. Making sure we have an intimate relationship with the father individually is one of the best things we can do to stay oily. If you want to know one way to stay oily check out my YouTube video “Will Jesus find you Oily on His Return?
Elevation requires a “No”. Know when to use it.
Love ya,
Later.