WHAT DO YOU THINK?

I wanted to share an interesting topic of discussion I had last night with some neighbors.  It was based on the recent messages we had heard in church (based on the series One Month to Live).  Our Pastor, Pastor Don, told a little story to demonstrate something very interesting.  I’ll summarize:

So, this guy came into church.  He stunk and wore dirty clothes.  The people around him were so disturbed by the man’s odor and appearance they complained.  After the service, the pastor came to the man and welcomed him.  Then, he said, “We hope to see you next weekend but over this next week, pray to Jesus and ask Him what He thinks is appropriate dress for church.”  So, the next weekend, the man showed up to church again, exact same clothes, and smelled equally as bad.  Again, the surrounding people complained.  After service, the pastor came and talked to the man asking him, “So, what did Jesus tell you about appropriate attire to wear to church?”  The man replied, “Well, I talked to Jesus and asked Him what to wear, and He said that he wouldn’t have any idea, He’s never been IN this church.”

***GULP***  

Now, this didn’t really happen, it’s just a story, a little “joke” if you will.  BUT, it really hit home for me and a few neighbors I was talking with last night.  We talked about the idea that Jesus meets everyone with open arms.  Yes, even those who stink, have broken the law, have tattoos, are addicted to something—but do we?  What would the world be like if we did??