A Christian once visited a farmer to talk to him about Christ. "I wouldn't come
to church up there." The farmer said. "I know old so and so (insert a name)
church goer who claims to be a Christian and So and So (insert another name)
church goer who claims to be a Christian and they don't live any differently
from me. I'm as good as they are."
Everywhere the farmer went he told about the hypocrites in that church. Months
passed and the Christian went to see the farmer again. "I want to buy a hog",
said the Christian. The farmer showed all his best hogs to him. Then they came
to the runt. "I believe I will take that one," the Christian said. "But you
don't want that one. He's the worst runt to the litter," the farmer replied.
"I sure do" said the Christian. So they loaded the runt in the truck. "Now,"
said the Christian, "what if I take this pig here from your farm and ride all
over this area telling folks that this is the kind of hogs you raise?"
"That's not fair!" The farmer exclaimed. "I have some nice hogs and you want to
show people that runt?!"
To which the Christian replied, "If it's fair for the church it's fair for the
hogs!"
We are guilty of this many times ourselves and are like the world when it comes
to our judging the church, aren't we? As the above story so aptly illustrates,
we and people of the world misjudge the church by pointing to hypocrites and
acting as if all Christians are like them. We are quick are to do this. But
often we do not treat others the same way. When you see only the weaknesses in
the life of your Christian brethren and fail to see their good points, are you
not doing the same thing the world does?
So then, go out and do right. Live right. Sin not...and above all, be not your
brother's judge. Leave the judging to our Lord!
Thanks to Randy randywalk@home.com
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