A Little Story About A Lot Of People
Once upon a time there lived a preacher who, above all else, wanted to be socially popular. He was president of the Tiger's Club, and social director of the Preacher's Palavar. His popularity, and ego, grew in bounds.
One Sunday he asked Brother Deacon to serve as public reader of the scriptures during his sermon. "It will add dramatic appeal," he opined. When asked which scriptures should be read, he said, "Suit yourself. They will be listening to what I say anyhow, for that will be the important thing."
So the preacher said, "I am so thankful for the many religious bodies — "; and the deacon read, "There is ONE body, and ONE Spirit, even as ye are called in ONE hope of your calling." And the preacher said, "For now believing children may join the church of their choice"; and the deacon read, "That they all may be ONE; as Thou Father, are in me, and I in thee, that they also may be ONE in us." And the preacher said, "Everyone has the right to believe and teach as his conscience guides"; and the deacon read, "But though we, or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." (Eph. 4:4; John 17:21; Gal. 1:8)
And the preacher said, — and the deacon read, — and SAY TO WHOM ARE YOU LISTENING?