“This
was not selfishness or unkindness. The kind of oil that is needed to
illuminate the way and light up the darkness is not shareable. How can
one share obedience to the principle of tithing;
a mind at peace from righteous living; an accumulation of knowledge?
How can one share faith or testimony? How can one share attitudes or
chastity, or the experience of a mission? How can one share temple
privileges? Each must obtain that kind of oil for himself. …
“In
the parable, oil can be purchased at the market. In our lives the oil
of preparedness is accumulated drop by drop in righteous living. … Each
act of dedication and obedience is a drop added to our store” (Faith Precedes the Miracle [1972], 255–56).
