In 1839 a brick meeting house was erected in Mooresville, Alabama, in southern Limestone County. In the course of its long history it was used by the Cumberland Presbyterians, the Baptists, and the Methodists.

Several months ago the old brick church building was sold for use as a community building. A newspaper story reported that the Methodists had a service to "deconsecrate" the building.

To "consecrate" is to set apart, make holy, or dedicate to the service of God. That word appears a number of times in the Bible. To "deconsecrate" means the opposite. That word is not used in Scripture.

I do not know how the Methodists went about "deconsecrating" a building which had been sitting idle for many years. They seem to have a ritual that fits whatever the occasion may invite.

This much I do know. Many who have obeyed the gospel of Christ have "deconsecrated" themselves. By their actions they have made themselves unholy. Since being baptized into Christ, they have returned to the world. They have removed the sacred character of the calling which they formerly heeded. Some of these remind one of the dog that returned to its vomit. Others have departed from the truth and chased after religious error. It takes no spe-cial ceremony to "deconsecrate" one's life. And a life has far more value than a material building.

It Might Have Been

Young people, choose your companion for life with prayerful thought and wisdom. Do not be guided only by outward appearance or emotions. If you marry the wrong kind of person, there will be deep regrets and far-reaching consequences. Many years from now you will look back and think what might have been.

Parents, do your very best to bring up your sons and daughters to fear and obey God. Teach them by your godly example. If you do not, they will disappoint you, and you will be haunted by what might have been.

Sinner, stop lingering and obey the gospel. Surrender your stubborn will to the Lord. Time is slipping by rap-idly. Do not wait too long and then with bitter pain remember what might have been.

Christian, be faithful, diligent, and zealous. Grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord. Do not allow pressures and problems, disappointments and discouragements to deter you. Never grow weary in well doing. You be-come unfaithful, you will forfeit your right to the tree of life.

"Of all sad words of tongue or pen,

The saddest are these: It might have been!"

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: No. 19, p. 19
October 5, 1995