Author: Unknown
A church was in need of a pastor. One of the elders was interested in knowing just what kind of minister they desired. He therefore wrote a letter, as if he had received it from an applicant. He read this letter before the pulpit committee.
“Gentlemen: Understanding that your pulpit is vacant, I would like to apply for the position. I have many qualifications that I think you would appreciate. I have been blessed to preach with power and have had some success as a writer. Some say that I am a good organizer. I have been a leader in most places I have gone.
“Some folks, however, have some things against me. I am over 50 years of age. I have never preached in one place for more than three years at a time. In some places I have left town after my work caused riots and disturbances. I have to admit that I have been in jail three or four times, but not because of any real wrongdoing. My health is not too good, though I still get a good deal done. I have had to work at my trade to help pay my way. The churches I have preached in have been small, though located in several large cities.
“I have not gotten along very well with the religious leaders in different towns where I have preached. In fact, some of them have threatened me, taken me to court, and even attacked me physically.
“I am not very good at keeping records. I have even been known to forget whom I baptized. However, if you can use me, I shall do my best for you, even if I have to work to help with my support.”
The elder read this letter to the committee and asked them if they were interested in the applicant. They replied that he would never do for their church. They were not interested in any unhealthy, contentious, trouble-making, absent-minded, ex-jailbird; in fact, they felt insulted that his application had even been presented.
The committee asked the name of the applicant, whereupon the elder answered, “The apostle Paul.”
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” II Tim. 4:2-4.
