Thursday, April 15, 2010

High Class Church

One Sunday morning, an old cowboy entered a church just before the service was to begin. Although the old man and his clothes were spotlessly clean, he wore jeans, a denim shirt and cowboy boots that were very worn and ragged.

In his hand he carried a worn-out old hat, and an equally worn-out old bible.

The church he entered was in a very upscale and exlusive part of the city. It was the largest and most beautiful church the old cowboy had ever seen. It had high cathedral ceilings, ornate statues, beautiful murals and stained glass windows, plush carpet, and velvet-like cushioned pews. The building must have cost many millions of dollars to build and maintain.

The men, women and children of the congregation were all dressed in the finest and most expensive suits, dresses, shoes and jewellery the old cowboy had ever witnessed.

As the poorly dressed cowboy took a seat, the others moved away from him. No one greeted him. No one welcomed him. No one offered a handshake. No one spoke to him. They were all appalled at his appearance, and did not attempt to hide the fact. There were many glances in his direction as the others frowned and commented among themselves about his shabby attire. A few chuckles and giggles came from some of the younger members.

The preacher gave a long sermon about hellfire and brimstone, and a stern lecture on how much money the church needed to do God's work. When the offering plate was passed, thousands of dollars came pouring forth. As soon as the service was over, the congregation hurried out. Once again, no one spoke or even nodded to the stranger in the ragged clothes and boots.

As the old cowboy was leaving the church, the preacher approached him. Instead of welcoming him, the preacher asked the cowboy to him a favour. "Before you come back in here again, have a talk with God and ask him what He thinks the appropriate attire for worshipping in this church" the preacher said. The old cowboy assured him he would do that, and left.

The very next Sunday morning, the old cowboy showed back up for the service wearing the same ragged jeans, shirt, boots and hat. Once again, the congregation was appalled at his appearance. He was completely shunned and ignored again.

The preacher noticed the man still wearing his ragged clothes and boots, and instead of beginning his sermon, stepped down from the pulpit and walked over to where the man sat alone. "I thought I told you to speak to God before you came back to our church", the preacher said.

"I did" replied the old cowboy.

"If you spoke to God, what did he tell you the proper attire should be for worshipping in here?" asked the preacher.

"Well sir", said the old cowboy, "God told me that He wouldn't have the slightest idea what was appropriate attire for worshipping in your church. He says He's never ever been in here before".

(Source unknown. This came to me in an email.)

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