Uplook - October 11, 2025

Dear Saints,

Last Sunday in Richmond as I was nearing the time to preach I had thought to do something "cute" by greeting the saints in the variety of native languages of those present.  I was familiar with several of those languages, but as I thought about it the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart and said "stick to your knitting".   This metaphor of course reminded me to do what I was called and charged to do and not to be distracted.  So, I got up, read my text, and did my best to preach.  

I've thought a lot since then about just how easy it is to become distracted from the important things in life.  In fact, many of us as human beings seek for distractions from either the mundane or painful things which we face in like.  These distractions take on a variety of forms depending upon who we are, our personalities, and desires.  

Yet, we must never let these distractions keep us from "our knitting".  Literally, our created and Divinely ordained purpose in life.   Jesus declared it in John 17:3 -

"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."    

If we hope to live life here in the thriving and fulfilling way in which the Creator intended and if we hope for that life to extend in that same manner into eternity...we must know God through the provision made by His son Jesus Christ.  

The apostle John declared in John 20:30-31 that the Gospel which he wrote had but one purpose.

 "And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples which are not written in this book: but these are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name."  

Beloved of God...amid all the distractions around us, may we never forget the most important thing in life is our belief in Christ and intimate relationship with Him.  It is the most precious gift we can receive and also pass on to those around us.   May the Lord help us all not to be distracted.  

Rich Blessings,

BB
William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor