Over the past several months we have had several items done to the building here at Karns to maintain or improve it. All of it seemed to be necessary work done in order to keep it in good order or to improve the appearance.
The carpet needed to be replaced due to age. Because it was coming up in several areas, it created trip hazards. We recently watched (and heard) the roofers who have completely replaced every square foot of roofing on the entire building. We see the improvements in the painting and repair of stucco on the exterior of the building that was showing its age and now looks new again. We all are aware of the new sign designed to enhance the building. We see the brighter screen over the pulpit where the aging projector system was replaced with a whole new computer system. Not too long ago the sound system was also updated, and we could see the new speakers and hear the much improved sound. The building is in better shape and further work needs to be done because building maintenance is required. The building and its components are in a constant battle with the elements that, without maintenance, will destroy it.
This important work of church (building) maintenance should make us think about an even more important work of church maintenance: people (not the building). Just as the building is in a constant battle against the elements, we as Christians are in a constant battle with our adversary who will attempt to destroy our souls. “Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (I Peter 5:8).
The process in which the soul is maintained is through edification. Paul encouraged the brethren in I Thessalonians 5:11, “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” If one allows, our meetings on Sunday morning, Sunday evening, Wednesday evenings, and other activities are great opportunities for such edification.
For the elders, Tony Williams