Proper perspective
Every once in a while we get a kick in the butt from God!
Yesterday I answered the phone for one of "those" calls. A man asked to speak to the pastor -- which means either a salesman or someone asking for money. I listened politely to his very common story --- was addicted, now clean, getting help, will be much better in a couple months, etc. etc. Can you detect the attitude with which I was listening? Then he mentioned how I had helped him last year and apologized for (1) asking so much last year and (2) calling again. My thought --- he is smooth!
Being the type who likes to be prepared I had already "written" my response that we don't have any money to give out and he should seek help from the various agencies.
He then said he was staying at Open Door --- a positive thing. Too often someone calls and explains they are "too good" to stay at Open Door. Plus he had gone to Salvation Army for some clothes --- OK - maybe he is not the biggest con around.
I am trying to politely, always politely, interrupt him to tell him I am too busy to talk any more when he says that what he really would like some help with is .... (I was sure it was a hotel room for a week) ..... underwear and socks. That he would really like to put on some clean underwear and socks. Oh, and if he could have a cheap (kept stressing 'cheap') lock for his locker to protect his things that would be wonderful!
I needed clean clothes because I felt so dirty. I preached two weeks ago on the feeding of the multitude and how Jesus did not check any one's credentials. Jesus never asked if someone was worthy or not. I did say that we need to try and be careful because we had only so much to share but focusing on whether or not a person is worthy would not be Jesus' way.
Guess what I was doing?
OK God, you got to kick me in the butt. And God, I hope you got a chuckle out of this!!! Have to stop now and go buy some underwear, socks, and a lock.
Yesterday I answered the phone for one of "those" calls. A man asked to speak to the pastor -- which means either a salesman or someone asking for money. I listened politely to his very common story --- was addicted, now clean, getting help, will be much better in a couple months, etc. etc. Can you detect the attitude with which I was listening? Then he mentioned how I had helped him last year and apologized for (1) asking so much last year and (2) calling again. My thought --- he is smooth!
Being the type who likes to be prepared I had already "written" my response that we don't have any money to give out and he should seek help from the various agencies.
He then said he was staying at Open Door --- a positive thing. Too often someone calls and explains they are "too good" to stay at Open Door. Plus he had gone to Salvation Army for some clothes --- OK - maybe he is not the biggest con around.
I am trying to politely, always politely, interrupt him to tell him I am too busy to talk any more when he says that what he really would like some help with is .... (I was sure it was a hotel room for a week) ..... underwear and socks. That he would really like to put on some clean underwear and socks. Oh, and if he could have a cheap (kept stressing 'cheap') lock for his locker to protect his things that would be wonderful!
I needed clean clothes because I felt so dirty. I preached two weeks ago on the feeding of the multitude and how Jesus did not check any one's credentials. Jesus never asked if someone was worthy or not. I did say that we need to try and be careful because we had only so much to share but focusing on whether or not a person is worthy would not be Jesus' way.
Guess what I was doing?
OK God, you got to kick me in the butt. And God, I hope you got a chuckle out of this!!! Have to stop now and go buy some underwear, socks, and a lock.
Labels: Are we worthy of God
posted by Ken | 10:06 AM
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