07/09/2026
The True Priority
On a warm, golden evening outside First Baptist Church, three close friends stood chatting. Emmanuel, holding his Bible tightly, smiled and turned to his buddies, Tobi and Dayo.
"Let's go to the prayer meeting," Emmanuel invited warmly.
Tobi waved two movie tickets in the air while Dayo tossed a football between his hands. "We'll have more fun somewhere else!" Tobi laughed, eager to head into town instead.
The trio walked down the bustling city street where neon signs blazed outside Club Ibiza and arcade centers. Dayo pointed excitedly toward the entrance. "Come on! This will be more exciting!"
Tobi cheered along, but Emmanuel slowed his steps. Looking back toward the peaceful church spire glowing in the distance, a heavy feeling settled in his chest. "Something doesn't feel right," Emmanuel muttered to himself.
Standing under the streetlights right outside the club, Emmanuel made up his mind. He pulled his Bible close to his chest and turned back toward the sanctuary. "I know where I truly belong," he said with a serene smile.
Tobi stopped, looking back in surprise. "You're really leaving?"
Emmanuel walked back into the church, where the congregation was filled with joyful praise under the warm light of stained-glass windows. Kneeling down at the altar, he closed his eyes in deep gratitude.
Lord, thank You for bringing me back, Emmanuel prayed silently.
Up at the pulpit, the pastor smiled warmly at him and declared to the church, "God welcomes every sincere heart."
When the service ended, Emmanuel stepped out into the cool night air under a sky full of stars. To his surprise, Tobi and Dayo were waiting for him by the garden path, looking thoughtful.
"Nothing gives peace like putting God first," Emmanuel shared softly.
Tobi looked at his friend, feeling the quiet joy radiating from him, and nodded. "Next time, we'll come with you."
Moral: Put God first.