Do not stare at me because I am dark, because I am darkened by the sun. My mother’s sons were angry with me and made me take care of the vineyards; my own vineyard I had to neglect. Song of Songs 1:6.
Have you ever been taken advantage of, manipulated, used, and abandoned? Then, you can understand our verse for today. Pressure to conform to national, corporate, or organizational ideals over individual preferences is a daily experience for everyone. When a church emphasizes and demands participation in all church programs to the point that individuals do not have time or energy left to have regular times alone with God, this becomes a great disservice to the individual and even to the body of Christ. Saints must be taught the value of personal time with the Lord to develop deep personal convictions on issues of faith and not be misled by leaders who are pursuing other agendas. The Church is strongest when individuals spend time with God and come together corporately.
