Some things make a lasting impression.

A few years ago, our minister posed a question to the congregation during one of his sermons. He asked, "If you were limited to possessing only two books of the Bible, which two books would they be?" I was sitting in the choir loft and started thinking. Murmurs filled the sanctuary as we struggled with this perplexing question. From around me I heard whispered “John,” “the Psalms,” “Romans,” and “Matthew.” I think one of our older choir members uttered “Isaiah,” but I don’t think I heard “Obadiah.” 

Our minister allowed the murmurs to finally die down, each of us apparently settled on our choices. Mine were John and Romans. Comfortable with our decisions, apparently too much so, we were immediately humbled by his next question.

“Okay, since in your opinion those two books are indispensable, when was the last time you read them?”

Silence. And then fidgeting. 

The point was made and driven home. We pay passing homage to what should be some of the most important things in our lives, but passing only. Our lives are so full of other things—other distractions, other diversions—and we quickly lose sight of what is important in life, though it stands right in front of us. Sometimes pleading for our attention.

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