One
Sunday morning an old cowboy entered
a church just before
services were to begin.
Although the old man and his clothes
were spotlessly clean,
he wore jeans, a denim shirt and 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 exclusive 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 jewelry 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 do him a
favor.
"Before you come back in here again, have a talk with GOD
and ask HIM what HE thinks would be appropriate attire
for
worshiping in this church," the preacher said.
The old cowboy
assured the preacher he would do that and left.
The very next
Sunday morning the old cowboy showed back up for the services
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 asked 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 worshiping 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 worshiping in your church.
HE says HE's
never been ask in here before,
either!
