WISDOM FOR THE DAY DEVOTIONAL
By Bishop Mike Okonkwo
WEDNESDAY 4th MARCH 2026
TOPIC: DON’T BE A FOOLISH CHRISTIAN
“And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.” – Matthew 25:8–9 (KJV)
The wise had learned the value of preparedness and they came with extra oil. The foolish, however, were careless. They either never attended the gatherings where instruction was given, or they sat through the meetings but never engaged, never asked, never obeyed. The instructions were available to all, but only some received and applied them.
Beloved, a foolish Christian treats spiritual things casually. Commitment to the kingdom is inconvenient for them. They skip group meetings, avoid involvement, and refuse to be accountable. They do not submit to godly authority, so they miss the guidance and training that would keep their lamps burning.
Pride makes them think they have arrived; indifference makes them miss the essentials.
When opportunity or crisis comes, an entitlement attitude will not save you. The foolish virgins ran to the wise and demanded oil as if someone else owed them readiness. But nobody owes you preparedness.
No one prevented you from keeping extra oil in your lamp, your own neglect did. Stop blaming others. The question you must ask is not who failed you, but what did I fail to do?
This is a call to practical wisdom. Be teachable. Be present. Obey instructions. Serve faithfully. Submission to godly structure and consistent involvement in the life of the body of Christ are the ways you keep your lamp supplied. Develop habits of discipline; prayer, study, fellowship, service, that maintain your flame.
Beloved, prepare now so that when your moment arrives you will not be scrambling. Grow into the kind of person who is ready, responsible, and reliable. Embrace wisdom today and position yourself to receive all God has ordained for you.
Further Reading: Matthew 25:1-13, Ecclesiastes 9:11
Daily Bible Reading: Morning – Numbers 29-31, Evening – Mark 9:1-29