I saw something happen not too long ago at a social function that caused me to write the following "modern day parable". I realize that one cannot be friends with everyone - the compatability is just not there. However, "common courtesy" can be taught. And without parents teaching children about this, how will they know? I am not here to be mean or hateful, but after seeing this incident, it made me think seriously. I know of one person who is not a church-goer in the least - if this person had been witness to this deliberate situation, this person would never have attended something like that again.
Three Morals of the Parable
1. Whether we hurt someone intentionally or unintentionally, it can still have the same effect.
2. If you keep only to yourselves, no one else feels welcome.
3. A little child shall lead them - but what direction?
A Modern Parable
by Pamela Ramsey
“The Value of
Common Courtesy”
There was a certain church that even though small in number, excelled in warm fellowship over all of the other churches. Large churches were envious over this one small congregation because they, the large churches, did not have the fellowship, camaraderie or the openness to God as this one small beacon of light.
There came a day that this certain church held a feast to celebrate the blessings of God and to extend an invitation to the hungry in spirit. People came from far and wide to participate in the event. The worship service was unique to many for they had never experienced such warmth and the testimonials far exceeded anything they had ever heard or dreamed. And, just when they thought it could not get any better, they felt the sweet Spirit of Jesus settle in among them - this was what they had been looking for all their lives.
After the service, the grand feast was held. The tables were laden with so many good things that hardly anyone knew where to start. There had never been anything like this in their lives. The host church was elated. Finally, at last, they thought, we are going to see our church grow.
And there was a certain young woman with young children by her side. She and her children were alone in the world. They were looking for love; they were looking to belong; they were looking for God. They had felt the love - they wanted to belong - and they had felt the presence of God.
As the young widow mother looked around, she saw that there was great companionship for her - everyone was so warm and welcoming to her and she thought, “This is what I want. This is where I belong.” And a very warm feeling pervaded her whole being.
However, there was one problem she did not know existed. Some of the church people, including the highest leaders down to the lowest common, had forgotten to teach their young a very important lesson of life. And while the young gathered themselves into several circles of friendship, the small fatherless children, who had no one, were ignored - not invited - not included.
And the young mother was very sorrowful. “Almost they persuaded me,” she thought to herself, “but even I, an ignorant being, have taught my children the value of ‘common courtesy’.” As she looked into their sad, questioning eyes, she gathered them to herself and quietly walked away.
And all the members of this certain church wondered and tskked “what a shame”, “what happened” - why this woman who seemed so interested - who seemed to be a sure candidate - why did she never come back?
