A Short Story
An Unspoken Bible
His name is Bill. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with holes in it, jeans and no shoes. This was literally is wardrobe for his entire four years of college. He is brilliant. Kind of esoteric and very, very bright. He became a Christian recently while attending college.
Across the street from the campus is a well-dressed, very conservative church. One day Bill decides to go there. He walks in with no shoes, jeans, his T-shirt, and wild hair. The service has already started and So Bill starts down the aisle looking for a seat.
The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat. By now people are really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything. Bill gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit and, when he realizes there are no seats, he just squats down right on the carpet. (Although perfectly acceptable behavior at a college fellowship, trust me, this had never happened in this church before!
By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick. About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the back of the church, an Elder is slowly making his way toward Bill. Now the Elder is in his eighties, has silver-gray hair, and a three-piece suit. A godly man, very elegant, very dignified, very courtly. He walks with a cane and, as he starts walking toward this boy, everyone is saying To themselves that you can't blame him for what he's going to do.
How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some college kid on the floor? It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy. The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man's cane.
All eyes are focused on him. You can't even hear anyone breathing. The minister can't even preach the sermon until the Elder does what he has to do. And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor. With great difficulty he lowers himself and sits down next to Bill and worships with him so he won't be alone.
Everyone chokes up with emotion. When the minister gains control, he says, "What I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen, you will never forget. Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people will ever read."
Author Unknown
Some quotes to think on . . . .
"A Pharisee is hard on others and easy on himself, but a spiritual man is easy on others and hard on himself."Author: Tozer, A.W.
"Our love to God is measured by our everyday fellowship with others and the love it displays." Author: Murray, Andrew
"I never knew any man in my life who could not bear another's misfortunes perfectly like a Christian."Author: Pope, Alexander
Godbless you my Friend
It's true... we are living examples to those around us. God bless you, my sister in the Lord.
ReplyDeleteNow that is what witnessing, and showing how someone is the image of Christ! Wonderful and inspirational story! Some churches today would have politely asked the college student to leave because he was not dressed apporpriately for church. I have experienced this myself. But what they forget is that Jesus does not care how you are dressed! He cares that you walked in His house and you have a sincere desire to learn more of him! It is about bringing the lost to Christ and not judging them for what they are wearing! AMEN!
ReplyDeleteThis is just wonderful!!! Thanks for posting it!!! :)
ReplyDeleteGREAT story, and a GREAT lesson!
ReplyDeleteIn most churches, some elders would have asked that college man to put on something more decent before he comes back in the next time, or try to hush him into a seat that won't others uncomfortable.
It's true -- I will be one who will not forget the elder's action while I might forget the sermon, heh!
God bless, sis!
I just loved this story, the ending was wonderful.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you.
wow, that's so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteSid
That was great. We should all be so humble.
ReplyDeletethanks for putting out the word.in these last days when time is coming to an end, we need to put Jesus to the forefront.God bless you and your family. and you have been tagged. please go to my blog.
ReplyDeleteTkwi oh yes we are! Jesus said in Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the Earth... so with that must lead others both by word and deed to The Glory Of God. Amen
ReplyDeleteGodbless Sis
Hi Valerie dear, you made a great point, by stating that witnessing is a thing that our lives must reflect not self righteously though, like this part of one of my fave artist Keith Green sang "I want to take your word and shine it all around.
ReplyDeleteBut first help me just to live it Lord" we have to live it first before we go around correcting people.
most of the time Churches do that in a way that is judgmental in nature thereby turning away new converts, who don't know any better.
personally I do believe that if and when they let go and let God touch the members of the Church by the holy Spirit only then would such a person see that dressing or doing anything inappropriately is not a great Christian quality we can not change anybody only God can.
Godbless
Greetings Carol longest time and thanks for reading and commenting too.
ReplyDeleteGodblesss
Brother Isaiah, you are so correct it is great story and lesson for us all especially for me.
ReplyDeleteGodbless
Godbless Yvette, thanks for the Visit & Comment too.
ReplyDeleteHi Sidhart thanks, where have you been hiding? lol.
ReplyDeleteGodbless
Dear Given55, yes we should be humble always and remain small in our own eyes.
ReplyDeleteGodbless you Ma
Alan Pardoe, Godbless you for the Prayers, will visit your blog ASAP.
ReplyDeleteRemain Blessed in Jesus Mighty NAme Amen