The beginning of a thing is precious real estate. The first hook of a song can make or break it. The opening lines of a book set the tone for the story. And among all the exorbitantly expensive advertising slots during the Super Bowl, the first commercial break is steepest of all. The reason is simple: attention is valuable. And people are most attentive at the beginning.
So also when it comes to preaching. Those first few words from the preacher’s mouth are worth their weight in spun gold. I have heard enough sermons that lead off with genteel chit-chat, however, to wonder whether preachers generally appreciate just how precious those first moments of the message truly are.