Stumbling Block or Cornerstone
READ: 1 Peter 2:4-10
Julie and Laura belonged to the same church and lived in the same neighborhood. On Easter morning, both had gone to church and enjoyed the holiday. However, two Sundays later each of them had their own point of view on going to church. This is how the conversation went:
Julie: Laura, I wanted to know if you need a ride to church this Sunday.
Laura: Go again? I just went to church.
Julie: Yeah, I saw you on Easter, but what difference does it make? Every sermon is different, you know. If you aren’t doing anything, I could
give you a ride.
Laura: No way. I get enough preaching at home. Plus, there’s a million things I have to do, like sleep.
Julie: That’s a terrible way of looking at it.
Laura: I don’t know why you keep pressuring me. Why would I want to go to church every single Sunday?
Julie: Because we’re sinners! Jesus suffered and died for our sins. The real reason you don’t want to go is because you are looking at it all wrong. Instead of looking at Christ as a stumbling block, look at Him as our cornerstone. Making Christ your first priority will change your perspective on life completely.
Laura: Maybe, I’ve been a little lazy lately. I do want Christ to be first in my life. I guess I could be ready about 15 minutes before church. OK?
Julie: Great!
Sometimes our old Adam tells us going to church, doing homework, or taking time out of out busy schedules to help the church or be a witness for God is too much. But putting Christ first, because of Christ’s mercy, gives us a new perspective on life and what is most important. Christ shouldn’t be (as to an unbeliever) a stumbling block, but the cornerstone of our lives.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: What are the most important things in your life? How do these things fit in with Christ as your cornerstone?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: Pray to God to help you put Christ first in your life. Give thanks to God for all opportunities to worship, praise and show your love to Him. Ask God to give you the physical and spiritual strength to use these opportunities.