During the 1957 Baseball World Series, as Hank Aaron stepped into the batters box Yogi Berra the catcher for the New York Yankees, began to talk trash with Hank. It was YogiÕs usual way; his way of getting into the batters head while they were in the batters box. Yogi; was skilled at his craft there was no one better at distracting and confusing the opposing teamÕs batter. He could get most batters to think about things other than the purpose for which they had entered the batters box.

When Hank Aaron came to the plate that day, Yogi tried to distract him saying, ÒHenry, youÕre holding the bat wrong. YouÕre supposed to hold it so you can read the trademark.Ó

Hank; however just went through his normal warm up routine, paying no attention to the chatter bantered by Yogi. There was never any thing casual in Hank the HammerÕs attitude while he was in the batters box. There was nothing casual in AaronÕs aggressive stance; nothing casual as he knocked the dark red clay from his cleats with his bat, and nothing casual in the swing of Aaron. Hank was focused; a man on a mission, and despite all of the endless chatter from Yogi; Hank remained focused.

Without saying a word Hank waited for the pitch. When the pitch came HankÕs bat meet the ball with precision, and Hank drove the ball deep into left field, over the left fielders head, over the wall and into the left-field bleachers. After rounding the bases and touching home plate, Aaron looked at Yogi Berra and remarked, ÒYogi; I didnÕt come up here to read, but to hitÓ.

You see Aaron who was one of the greatest hitters of all time knew what his mission was, and he never approached it casually. He knew that a batter who enters the batters box with a casual attitude toward hitting the ball will be too late in his swing, and will miss every time.

A casual attitude toward hitting the ball results in getting struck out.

It is this of which I would like to speak today, and I pray the the spirit will edify my remarks in a manner that will allow you to be guided by the spirit to that which you personally need.

I would like to begin with a statement similar in nature to what Hank Aaron knew about hitting a baseball, but liken it to the gospel. ÒA casual attitude toward living the principles of the gospel will result in casualtyÓ.

Let me repeat: ÒA casual attitude toward living the principles of the gospel will result in casualtyÓ. If I may; I will speak rather frankly to you today; I do it because of the great love and respect that I have for each of you. I believe that our spirits; yours and mine are not that much different in age - believe it or not. I believe that a good many of us were friends and associates before this life, and I know that you have the spiritual maturity to receive the words; and I feel the weight of delivering them to you today.

The prophet Joseph Smith taught that Òa religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has the power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation.Ó In the eternal perspective, the blessings obtained through sacrifice are greater than any hardship encountered in obtaining it.

I suppose that we might modify that statement slightly to say Òa person that is not willing to sacrifice all things will never have the power sufficient to produce the necessary faith required to gain eternal life and salvation.Ó

You see; casual faith does little more than help us to believe. A casual approach toward fasting; does very little to call down real powers from heaven. A casual prayer lacks the intensity to have much effect on anything. The casual home teacher or visiting teacher will do very little to change the lives of those whom they are called to watch over. The casual saint will do very little of what is required in order to change his or her life.

I would like to begin by sharing a parable on how a casual attitude toward the gospel may be costing you more than you think.

In the 25 Chapter of Matthew we read: Ò1ÊTHEN shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virginsÓ, The number ten had a significant symbolic meaning to the people in ChristÕs day. It was the number of persons required to form a synagogue, or the minimum number required in a company sent to comfort those who were mourning. This group of ten virgins all recognized that the bridegroom would return; just as we know that he will today; they knew it and they responding to the call in that they Òtook their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroomÓ.

We know from modern day revelation that all 10 virgins were all members of the church, they were all of the same faith, they are all represented by you and I in this room this day.

The scripture makes no other comment about them other than to say ÒAnd five of them were wise, and five were foolishÓ. We are informed however; as to what made the five wise. They were wise because they took the time while they were waiting for the bridegroom to come; to prepare themselves. While the others took a causal approach as they waited. Remember the words used to distinguish them; it was not 5 virgins that were good and the 5 virgins that were evil, but rather the 5 that were foolish and the 5 that were wise.

The scriptures are given that we may liken them unto ourselves. What may we take from this parable that we might profit in our day then?

First; may I suggest we ask why did the foolish take their lamps, and yet bring no oil? Really? How stupid is that? It is obvious they knew what was to transpire, so why would they go un-prepared? Why had they had not paid the price, why had they not made the purchase required?

Each of these virgins had RSVPÕd for the event, each oneÕs name could be found on the guest list. They knew what was involved when they RSVPÕd. They had made the commitment, they had made a covenant to attend, and yet they choose not honor their word. How do you suppose their host felt, he had borne the expenses of preparing the way for them. But; they were not good on their word.

Had they been seduced, had they relied on the promises made by madison avenue. The promise of instant gratification, the promise that if you need it; you can positively have it delivered overnight. That what you order today can be shipped overnight and on your doorstep the next morning. So why the big rush?

I suppose that in truth they had missed the real message - the message that the Lord gave to his disciples: Òthat this kind cometh not out; only but by fasting and prayerÓ. They had become complacent; causal in their commitment; casual enough to think that they were better prepared than they really where. They wanted to fight lifeÕs battles from the comfort of the shade.

Will you reflect for just a moment; in which group would you most likely fit? Do you rest among the foolish who have purchased a lamp and carry only a very small amount of oil; or none at all? Each of you have already RSVPÕd; how ready are you?

Do you need more oil in your lamp? If so what are you going to do beginning today to gain the oil that you need? Or does your lot fall with the wise; those who have and are making the effort to store up over time the precious oil required?

The parable continues on; and so the wise went forth with both lamps and oil. Always mindful to keep to keep both at hand and in good supply; never knowing when they would need them. For the bridegroom had said Òbehold I come quicklyÓ.

However; the bridegroom did not come as quickly as some expected; he tarried; he was longer than expected, delayed! What happens during a delay? The crowd gets restless, people start to lose interest, beginning to doubt, wondering if he will ever come, if what they are waiting for is real or myth. In this case we are informed that Òall slumbered and sleptÓ. Once again there is no distinction between the wise or the unwise.

Then at last - the cry came forth; and all arose the wise and the foolish; and all went to meet him. The foolish began to trim their lamps that they might go forth and see for themselves with their own light; but they were without the light that they needed. They were for all intents and purposes; blind, in the dark without oil. The were found lacking, wanting, wandering, for their lamps had gone out.

No big deal they thought; we will ask our brothers to share their oil; surely they will help us. Rationalizing that our brothers and sister will save us. After all they want us to attend the marriage with them. How could they refuse to take care of us we are their neighbors, their friends, their brothers and sisters.

But the response will come ÒNot so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.Ó The attitude is not one of wanting to help; but one that we all must firmly understand - the time to purchase oil, to prepare; had past, there was simply no way to help. This oil cannot; nor ever will be able to be purchased quickly. It requires effort, discipline and forethought.

The foolish had rationalized that there is always time, but as in the days of Noah; the rains will come, the waters will rise, and the doors will close. It is at that time that those who have prepared will enter the ark, while those that have not prepared will be left outside. In the cold, in the dark with the realization that the doors are shut, they are sealed; it is now too late.

There will be those who will pound on the doors and cry please let us in now, we are ready now. Our overnight delivery has arrived; but the Master will lovingly respond the only way that he can ÒVerily I say unto you, Ye knew me notÓ.

The good news is; each of us; you and I get to write the ending for our individual chapters in this parable.

What examples might we learn from to help us acquire the precious oil, so we do not hear the words ÒYe knew me notÓ?

One of the best examples I could find is found in 3 Nephi Chapter 11. The time was not so different from what we will shortly face.

A great destruction has taken place, and the people have gathered together. Each attendee has stories of the local destruction that had taken place. Many witnessed first hand the destruction and may have narrowly escaped with their own lives. Imagine the discussions as they described the fires that engulfed the city of Zarahemla, expressed their feelings from watching the city of Moroni sink into the depths of the sea, the highways as they were broken up, and the great buildings leveled to the ground.

The story suggests that they were assembled on the temple grounds for a spiritual meeting; and yet they were distracted by other things. They had been warned in advance that the Savior would return; just as the ten virgins had been warned, just as we have been warned.

They were Òconversing one with another, they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven; and they cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voiceÓ. We might ask ourselves what could they have possible been doing that was so important that they missed the very reason why they had gathered?

What made it so hard for them to understand? I suppose that they attended the worship service in body, but did not attend in spirit. Had they like us come to sacrament meeting, while maintaining their connection to the outside world? Had they left their smart phones on so to speak with the guise of reading the scriptures; only to receive and send a text or two, play a couple of quick games of words with friends, post a couple of Facebook updates, and make a couple of connections on Tinder. All while telling themselves; ÒI am listening to the talksÓ.

We need to liken that very moment; the moment when they could not hear to our lives; are we any different? Suppose that you started to read a text from your friend the exact moment that the spirit tried to penetrate your heart - the exact moment that the still small voice tried to testify the truth of something to you. The exact moment when you needed to understand the voice; but you did not hear. Why? Because you were distracted. Do you suppose you would be any better off than those in 3 Nephi who did not understand the voice. I say NO; you would not be.

As a matter of fact; you may be so pre-occupied that you might not even have heard the voice at all; let alone understand it. If the wifi on your smart phone is disrupting the whispering of the spirit in any way you should take heed of this caution. The whisperings of the spirit come neither as a harsh voice, or a loud voice; but a small voice. Remember, Elijah found the voice of the Lord was not in the wind, nor in the earthquake, nor in the fire, but was a Ôstill small voice.Õ

There may be those who heard that voice just now; that were prompted; if you did; if your soul was pricked at all then take heed. Please donÕt limit your spiritual growth by taking a causal attitude toward worship. You canÕt serve two masters.

The second time the spirit tried to get through to those gathered at the bountiful temple grounds, once again it could not. While we might be quick to judge them. We need to ask ourselves, are we any different?

Remember; the Spirit does not get our attention by shouting or shaking us with a heavy hand. Rather it whispers. It caresses so gently and if we are preoccupied we may not hear it at all.

It took three attempts before they opened their ears, and understood. They were lucky that they had three chances, we often are not afforded that opportunity. What was different about the third time? They opened their ears. Note who made the change, they did. It did not happen until they stopped talking, not until all of the other distractions were put away, likewise we are no different. It was then that they heard these words:

Ò7 Behold my Beloved son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my nameÑhear ye him. 9 And it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand and spake unto the people, saying: 10 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world.Ò

It will not be long now and many in this room will witness first hand the glorious return of the Savior to the earth. some will be privileged to see with their own eyes and hear with their own ears. The events as they unfold, then events that the prophets of old have looked forward to will come to pass. Even the second coming of the Lord.

My humble plea today is that you will prepare; that you will be ready; that you will know how to listen, that your ears and eyes will be in tune. That you might remember that ÒA casual attitude toward living the principles of the gospel will result in casualtyÓ.

That you will work to make the required un-selfish sacrifices in your life, that there might be oil in your lamp so that you will be ready for that day. For we are not like Adam; who when asked why do you offer sacrifices he responded. ÒI know not save it be that the Lord commanded meÓ. We know however; that each sacrifice we offer is done in similitude of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and each sacrifice makes us similar to the only begotten who is full of grace and truth.

That we might be like him when he returns I pray.