Our learning institutions are the training grounds for men and women who will one day oversee the affairs of their respective countries and the world. So, likewise, the Church is the only training ground for Christians, who hope to sit at the banquet table with the Bridegroom. But, for that to happen, each one must follow God’s curriculum. And even though nobody has a clue of what it must be like to occupy the same physical space as their maker, the Holy Scripture provides us with plenty of examples of what we should not expect. 

For example, delinquency and poor planning are not acceptable. And human beings are prone to showing up late for important meetings. After a period of familiarity, most of us often get complacent. 

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 missed a day from work three years. But things would soon change.

After learning the ins and outs of his job, Tom noticed that most of his coworkers never showed up for work early. So, instead of being an example for others, Tom decided to fall in line with everybody else. As a result, 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 their chance to meet with the Bridegroom because they failed to plan according to God’s blueprint.