And Jesus Walked

By Rev. Harold W. Langley Jr.
2009-12-13

Rev. Harold W. Langley Jr.

Melrose, Fl

And Jesus Walked..

There is an old joke floating around, that I find has deep relevance in today's times. It concerns a teenager nearing his 16th birthday, who wants a car from his father, An old style Minister. The teen asks comes to his Father one day, as he pours over his upcoming sermon. Dad says the teen, I’m nearly sixteen, and everyone else is getting a car for their sixteenth birthday. So I want one for mine. The Father pulls his reading glasses down his nose slightly and peers over them at his boy. Son, Says the Father, I’ll make a deal with you. There is one month until your birthday. If you fulfill three tasks for me until then, I will buy you the car of your choice. The teen excited at the prospect of any car he chooses, agrees, without hesitation. Very well, the old Minister said, The first thing I want you to do is start attending services, at least once a week. Fine said the teen. The next thing I ask, is that you study your Bible, for thirty minutes a day, every day. OK his son smiled. The last thing I want, is for you to cut your hair. The young man, stalled a bit on the last request, but gave in without argument.

The day finally came when the boy turned sixteen, and he walked smiling up to his Father, once again seated in his den, crafting a new sermon. Dad? He said. It’s time to go get my car. The Minister, smiled up at his son, and said, one minute my boy. There is something I’d like to say to you first. Ok the teen said begrudgingly wanting to hurry to the car lot as if the last car was up for sale. I’m very proud of you son, the Father said. I have to admit when I asked those things of you, I expected none of them to happen. You’ve done well. Every week I saw you at my sermon, in the first pew. Yup, sure was, said his boy. And for the last month you’ve been reading through the scriptures like a starving man, looking for bread. Yes that’s right his boy smiled, But you still aren’t getting your car, the Minister said with a shrug. You see you still haven’t cut your hair. The boys eyes narrowed as he grinned out of one side of his mouth. You see dad, there is a reason for that, and it comes from the Bible. Really? How so? The minister asked. Well, the teen started, I’ve been reading a lot lately about Jesus. He was the son of God, and Died on the cross to deliver us from all sin right? Yes that’s correct the proud father said. And we should all strive to be more like Jesus shouldn’t we? I would have to agree with that, no question. His father said. Well Dad Jesus had long hair, and if I should be more like him, I don’t think it’s right that you force me to cut mine. He smiled a triumphant smile as he looked his father in the eyes. You make a good point son, but you’ve missed something very important in the story. Said the minister. And what is that? The teen asked. It’s true the Lamb of God had long hair, And Jesus walked everywhere he went.

So many of us think this way in our everyday lives. With our work, our families, even with our Faith. You see we know what needs to be done to get the things we want, including salvation. But when it all comes down to it, few actually take the time to complete the tasks without trying to find a loophole here and there. And eventually, those loopholes build up higher and higher until our feet become snagged in them, tripping us up. A wise man once told me, anything worth having, is worth working for, And anytime you have to work, make sure to do it right the first time. Wise words that matter as much to our faith as to every aspect of our lives today. Any job takes hard work and dedication to be secure, and sucessful. A family is a full time job in and of itself. And when it comes to our faith, you get back what you put into it. If you work hard and persevere at following the beliefs of your personal faith, you will receive greater rewards, than by just showing up at church now and then . Snoozing during the sermon.