It was an incredible story...
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It was an incredible story, but experience and character vouched for the pastor's truthfulness. He told us that a good part of his ordination examination consisted of playing pinochle with the president of the Synod and two other officials of his denomination. At the time, he told us, his classmates clearly believed he was "putting them on." Yet, some of us, older clergy, understood what might have been the rationale for such an examination. Perhaps the "elders" thought they could assess the young man's ability and commitment by how he approached and conducted himself in a game of cards.
Jesus said, "He who is faithful in very little is faithful in much." We often fail to see the witness to Christian faith and conduct that we can communicate in little things --how we deal with our neighbors on the block, how we value our conversations with children, perhaps even our ethics on the golf course. Our consistency of conduct, and our honoring of principles will be seen in the "little things," and these may even constitute the practice field for the big things in life.
Jesus said, "He who is faithful in very little is faithful in much." We often fail to see the witness to Christian faith and conduct that we can communicate in little things --how we deal with our neighbors on the block, how we value our conversations with children, perhaps even our ethics on the golf course. Our consistency of conduct, and our honoring of principles will be seen in the "little things," and these may even constitute the practice field for the big things in life.
