Had you ever noticed in Jesus’ parable of the 10 virgins, the wise ones carried a separate jar of oil. So here is the question – Were the virgins called wise because they took a jar of oil or did they take a jar of oil because they were wise?

Matthew 25:1-4 ESV
[1]  “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. [2] Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. [3] For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, [4] but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.

You know who else used to carry jars of oil? Roman soldiers. Why? to oil their shields and keep them from getting cracked and dry. Is your shield of faith strong and supple or is it dry and cracked?

What are you carrying in your jar of oil? If our jars are already full of jealousy, offense, fear, bitterness, pride, there is no room left for true oil.

Because Wisdom doesn’t just want oil, Wisdom makes room for oil!

The foolish virgins wanted oil when it was too late. Do not believe there is a time coming when it will be too late? In Prov 1:28 Wisdom says “then they will cry out to me, but I will not answer! They will earnestly seek me, but will not find me.”

In contrast the Wise ones made room for oil. In Prov 2:3-5 Wisdom says “yes, if you call out for insight, lifting up your voice for discernment, if you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures, then you will know the fear of Adonai and discover the knowledge of God.”

Want to empty out what is in your jar and fill it instead with oil?
Seek Wisdom!
Seek His ways!
Read His Word! (you can start with Proverbs)
Pursue Him as you would hidden treasures!
And let His Truth wash your jar clean and fill you up with His oil!
Prov 4:7 “Wisdom is supreme – acquire wisdom! With all your acquisitions, get understanding.

As a follow up: Read other articles here on the Person of the Holy Spirit and being Baptized in Him.