If trouble rears its ugly head at a wedding rehearsal, it’s usually from the bride or groom’s parents. Or some smarty-pants, know-it-all maid of honor, tossing her weight around trying to control what had already been discussed and decided. I dreaded those confrontations but had to step in, be firm, and protect the couple from what could become a disastrous wedding day.

Here in Matthew 25, some bridesmaids kick up their heels. You may know about the marriage customs in Jesus’ day, where the groom prepares a home for his future bride, usually an addition to his father’s house. The bridesmaids help the bride get ready for the big day. When all is ready, the groom sends his groomsmen out to start the procession of the bridesmaids and the bride and her family and friends to a huge, often weeklong, celebration at the groom’s parents’ home. Oy vey! The bill could choke a horse, already.

What the bridesmaids need most of all is some good old-fashioned advanced planning. To be ready for whenever the call comes to start the marriage parade. Be on their toes. Have adequate supplies no matter how long the wait takes.

But here’s the rub. Some grow weary with waiting. Slack off. Become lazy and neglectful. Mr. Sandman arrives before the groomsmen do.

Who knows the cause of the delay? Maybe the groom has changed his mind? Maybe some disaster has struck? Why this infernal foot-dragging? They nod off, worn out, tired as can be with woefully inadequate supplies.

But some bridesmaids have extra lamp oil in case the wait drags on. Others don’t, confident that they’ll have more than enough. And anyway, who cares? They can always beg some oil from those snooty, overly prepared ones. Maybe those organized bridesmaids strike the unglued and topsy-turvy ragtag ones as smug and self-righteous. If they’re such generous do-gooders, they’ll share a little with us, won’t they?–“And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out'” (Matt. 25:8).

But the wise bridesmaids say a resolute ‘no’. No can do! Some things you can’t share. Why not get your own for a change? Be ready as you’re supposed to be. But it’s later than they think. With shops not open at night, they miss out on the groomsmen calling to them to get hopping for the wedding. They’re left out in the dark cold. Too bad, so sad. What did they expect? They’re stuck with regrets and an opportunity that will never come their way again.

Such is faith. It can’t be given away. Nor inherited from some godly grandparents or that loving neighbor who took you to Sunday School. No DNA test to prove your spiritual ancestry and destiny. We don’t need it as we can have a wonderful relationship with Jesus by exercising our faith, turning away from sin and self-reliance, and leaning heavily on Jesus. No one can do that for you. But can’t you?

Nevertheless, we certainly should share our faith. Not shoving it down anyone’s throat. Or hitting them over the head. It’s up to them to respond. To act on what they hear and discover. We are responsible to others by sharing the faith, but we’re not accountable for their decisions.

Unfortunately, many have no idea that Jesus is there for them. Shouldn’t we tell them? He loves them and eagerly desires a personal relationship with each one. A secure place in God’s heart that can never be taken away. Or given back. Who’d want to, anyway?

Lord Jesus, help me to share your Good News with someone this week. For your sake and theirs. Amen.