WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 12/16:

Psalm 119:37

Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.

When the church caught fire, everyone turned out to offer assistance. Many members of the congregation were crushed by the loss of the building. To many, the church had been a showplace, and they wondered whether the church could ever recover. The pastor chastised those members, reminding them that a church is much more than the building that houses it. Whether services took place in an assembly hall or a church sanctuary made no difference. What was important was that people stuck together and worshipped as a church family.

We cannot allow ourselves to lose sight of what is really important in our churches and in our Christian lives. Certainly, our church buildings are important, but the work of the church will go on regardless of the condition of the buildings that house them. Let not your eyes be turned from the way of the Lord. Focus always on Him.

Prayer:

I can get sidetracked from the really important things, Lord. Help me to remain steadfast concerning Your work and Gospel. Set my priorities as You would have them. Amen.