The Church is the training ground for those who hope to meet with the Bridegroom.

Our schools, kindergarten to the institutions of higher learning, are training grounds for the men and women who will one day oversee the affairs of their respective countries and the world. Likewise, the Church is the training ground for Christians, who hope to sit at the table with our heavenly Father. But we must follow God’s curriculum. And while nobody has a clue of what it must be like to occupy the same physical space as His maker; the Holy Scripture provides us with plenty of examples of what we should not expect. For example, tardiness is a no-no. And human beings are prone to showing up late for important meetings. We often get complacent after a period of familiarity. Tom Paige got laid off from his well-paying job. And for two years Tom had to do odd jobs to help make ends meet. Then the tide suddenly changed. Tom got another well-paying job that he was excited to do. Tom Paige was always punctual and never misses a day from work three years in a row. But that would soon change. After learning the ins and outs of his job, Tom began to notice that most of his coworker never showed up for work early. But instead of being an example for others, Tom decided to follow suit. He would eventually lose his job for tardiness. Tom Paige’s predicament reminds me of the parable of the Ten Virgins Jesus tells in Matthew 25:1-13. The five foolish virgins lose out on their chance to meet with the bridegroom because they failed to plan according to God’s blueprint.