We discussed this parable in Sunday School today, and I enjoyed hearing the many different interpretations. My friend Daniel did ask a question that I'd like to explore, one that didn't really get answered in class. He asked, "If we sin, are we taking oil out of our lamps?"
I think the answer is both yes and no. A different answer applies depending on the situation. I would argue that sins of omission do not remove oil, but that sins of commission do.
With a sin of omission, of not doing a good thing, I would say that we are simply failing to refill our lamps, letting the oil burn down. Thus, we have less oil, but we have not really removed any from our lamps. Doing this for too long can result in a spiritual lack and a sputtering flame of faith. We can commit sins of omission for a fairly long time before burning out.
A sin of commission, on the other hand, results in an oil spill. It sloshes out uselessly onto the ground. Committing sins can have greater consequences far faster than simply forgetting to read your scriptures or not going to church. They can also result in excommunication (though I'm not sure exactly how to apply that within the parable). Spiritual burnout can occur far faster when sinning by commission.
And, of course, repentance is always key. In every case, a speedy change of heart can help us refill our lamps and shine brightly again. Repenting is the key to keeping our flames of faith from sputtering out.
Do you agree? How else would you answer this question? Please let me know!
I don't think we're necessarily taking oil out of our lamps. I think it's more like we just forget to refil our lamps sometimes and so the flame goes out but when we repent God and Jesus fill it up for us and turn it on again!
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