In a certain mountain village in Europe, a long time ago, a nobleman wondered what legacy he should leave to the local townspeople. At last, he decided to build them a place of worship

No one saw the complete plans for the church building until it was finished. When the people gathered, they marveled at its beauty and completeness. Then someone asked. “But where are the lanterns? How will the building be lit?” The nobleman pointed to some brackets in the walls. Then he gave each family a lantern that they were bring with them each time they came to the assembly. “Each time you are here the area where you are seated will be lit,” the nobleman said. “Each time you are not here, that area of the building will be dark.”

Thought: whenever we neglect the worship assembly, others who are in attendance miss not only our presence, but the encouragement we could have offered them.

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another . . . ” (Hebrews 10:24-25a).

– Mike Benson, Eastside church of Christ, Muskogee, Ok.