Brother Christian went to lunch
At the local eatery in town
When a bearded man walked up
Standing there looking down.
Uninvited by anyone
The bearded man looked in contempt
At Bro. Christian sitting there
The man said. “This is what I think.”
“I have no use for hypocrites
Have no use for liars
Have no use for sermons
Warning of some final hour.
Have no use for crutches
Have no use for being weak
Have no use for “godly” folks
Nor the double life they speak.
Have no use for ole’ time religion
Have no use for television shame
Have no use for being judged
By those who are missing in their aim.
Have no use for hand waving
Have no use for drooping songs
Have no use for two-faced folks
Telling me it is me that’s wrong.
Have no use for those in adultery
Have no use for cheating thieves
Have no use for anyone
Who bullies, jeers and tease.”
When the man’s statement ended
When Bro. Christian drew a breath
When everyone in the place believed
Bro. Christian’s rebuttal was in death,
When Bro. Christian agreed with him
When no excuses tried to run the race
When Bro. Christian simply told the man
“Yes, we have all that in our place.”
The man stood there in disbelief
The man’s mouth fell open too
The man was in such shock
He said, “I’d like to talk to you.”
Bro. Christian spoke of God’s great grace
Of Calvary, death and empty tomb
He explained about spiritual growth
How salvation was much like a womb.
“Most of us don’t have it right
Most of us don’t understand
Most of us are all you said
But we’re headed for Gloryland.
We join by faith God’s church
We try to offer supporting hands
We all must truthfully acknowledge
That we are often out of God’s plans.”
The man got up to leave right then
The man said not another word
The man just seemed to disappear
Not another word was heard.
In the congregation Sunday morning
In the shock of the stunned crowd
In humbleness the man knelt down
Saying, “Lord, I’ve been too proud”.
He rose at last to silence
He rose to find tears in many eyes
He rose understanding Jesus’ sacrifice
And at last he understood the why’s.
Why that none of us are perfect
Why none of us are without sin
Why none of us are righteous
Why we are all fallen men.
Why in the church on Sunday morning
Why in the shops of everyday
Why in the schools and businesses
God’s people try to find a way.
A way to walk upright in this life
A way to not bring God shame
A way to learn to listen
To the God who called our name.
d.f.a.v. 12-17-13
Not perfect, but still trying!
–Faye
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