Pastor's Corner
July, 2002
Recently I read a story about a young university student. He was walking with a professor who likes to teach his students more than textbook knowledge. He taught them about life. As they walked along, they saw a pair of old shoes on the road side, which supposedly belonged to a poor man who was working in a field close by. This man was about to finish his day’s work.
The student turned to the professor, saying, “Let’s play a trick; we’ll hide his shoes, then get behind those bushes, and watch his reaction when he cannot find his shoes.” “My young friend,” said the professor, “we should never amuse ourselves at the expense of the poor. You are rich, why don’t you do this: Put some money in each shoe, then hide ourselves, and watch how his discovery affects him.”
The student did what the professor had suggested. They got behind the bushes close by and waited. Soon enough, the poor man came to get his shoes. While slipping his foot into one of his shoes, he realized something hard was inside. He stooped down, planning to remove the “dirt.” He was astonished to find that there was a twenty dollar bill folded up into his shoes. He looked at it in disbelief. He turned around but couldn’t see anyone. He put the money in his pocket, and proceeded to put on the other shoe; but he was double surprised to find another twenty dollar bill folded in the shoe. His feelings overcame him. He fell on his knees, looked up to heaven and prayed aloud a fervent thanksgiving. He thanked God for His timely provision; that He moved someone to give him the money. He could now use the money to buy medicine for his sick wife. The student stood there deeply affected, and his eyes filled with tears. He couldn’t imagine his “pocket money” could mean so much to a poor person. “Now,” said the professor, “isn’t it much better than if you had played your intended trick?” The student replied, “You have taught me a lesson which I will never forget. It is better to give than to receive!”
In July, we celebrate “Independent Day.” We are often reminded of the words of President Kennedy, “Ask not what the country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” If every citizen of the United States takes heed to his suggestion and contribute to the country, this country would have an entirely different outlook. Let’s not forfeit our duty to pray for the country for a spiritual revival.
Before I sign off, I would like to remind you that citizenship on earth is temporary. There is an eternal citizenship in Heaven which is by far more valuable. If you want to attain this eternal citizenship and not sure how, I encourage you to come to church and learn about the Way. If you’re citizens of the Heavenly kingdom, I encourage you to seek God’s Kingdom first, and the rest of your needs will be given to you. Let’s not forfeit our duty to be a good Heavenly citizen; think of what you can give.
Pastor Larry
