First Things First

In a day when small statistics

Urge the church to higher goals,

Shall we, in quest of numbers,

Counting heads, neglect men’s souls?

Without multiplied committees

Minus consecrated hearts,

And every means and method

This modern age imparts,

Shall we offer entertainment

To dry a nation’s tears

When crime and wars and weariness

Becloud the air with fears?

What can a social program

Which crowds each night and day

Accomplish, if our churches

Are too occupied to pray?

Does not our Babel-busyness-

The Spirit’s name profane?

Can we employ the tools of time

And reap eternal gain?

Let us pause, discern the needs of men-

Heart-hunger, spirit’s thirst-

And, by the grace of God, declare

We shall place first things first.

--Kay L. Halliwell