by PASTOR DICK RILEY
Rockford United Methodist Church
Once upon a time, a preacher accepted a call to a new church in a large city. Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the bus driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change.
As the preacher considered what to do, he though to himself, “I’d better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it.”
But then he thought, “Oh, forget it! It’s only a quarter. Who would worry about that little amount? And, besides, the bus company gets too much fare as it is. They’ll never miss 25 cents. Just keep it.”
When the preacher came to his stop, however, he paused at the bus door and then handed the quarter to the driver.
“Here,” the preacher said. “You gave me too much change.”
The bus driver smiled and said, “You’re the new preacher in town, aren’t you?”
“Yes,” the pastor replied.
“Well, I’ve been thinking about coming to your church for worship. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. Now I know. So I’ll see you at church on Sunday!”
When the preacher stepped off the bus, he grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and prayed, “Oh, my Lord God, I almost sold-out your Son for a quarter!”
Often, our lives are the only “Bible” that some people will ever read and, therefore, how we live-the kind of life we live-is absolutely crucial. As the Apostle Paul said, “Live in harmony with one another so that you may glorify God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,” (Romans 15:5-6).
So watch your thoughts – they become your words. Watch your words – they become your actions. Watch your actions – they become your habits. Watch your habits – they become your character. Watch your character – it becomes your destiny!
Stay faithful and be grateful!
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