Today's Saying
26If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless. James 1:26
Over at Last Lutheran Pastor Joan has just finished putting a few last additions into her sermon . Here is a part of that sermon:
I look out over the congregation and I am so glad to see you here.
You are the good church members.
We have members who only come once or twice a year.
We have members who never come.
We have former members up to no good at all.
Some of them are drunks, some fornicators, some just rotten people.
But you’re here because you’re the good people.
God has to love you and me.
I’d be surprised if he even likes them.
Some of you look a little uncomfortable.
Perhaps you are one of them.
The rest of you know I’m right.
Is there anybody here that doesn’t see us as better than them?
Raise your hand so we can know who you are.
Only Herman.
Please don’t tell me that only Herman knew the truth. Please tell me, over coffee , that you were just afraid to disagree with me
Tell me you didn’t want to upset the pregnant lady.
Tell me you are really Lutheran and believe in salvation by grace.
Tell me you know that you aren’t any better but you are forgiven.
Tell me you don’t look down on anybody.
Tell me your not one of today’s Pharisees.
Please!Please tell me.
How about if I tell you I try not to be one of today's Pharisees? Amoeba and I try to serve as each other's check for "Holier-than-thou" comments and behavior.
ReplyDeleteI started to make an excuse and an explanation here... but the fact is, I AM a Pharisee, and I don't WANNA be! And with the grace of God, maybe someday I WON'T be!
ReplyDeleteHmmm this makes me think a great deal. I think I would be like Herman...sad but true. I don't try to be
ReplyDelete