Thursday, March 27, 2008

All about a quarter

I received this in an email recently and wanted to share it with you all. I truly believe in my heart that things like this happen everyday!


It's only a quarter.......

Several years ago, a preacher from out of state accepted a call to a church in Houston, Texas. Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area.



When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, 'You'd better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it.' Then he thought, 'Oh, forget it, it's only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as 'a gift from God' and keep quiet'.



When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, 'Here, you gave me too much change.' The driver, with a smile, replied, 'Aren't you the new preacher in town? I have been thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to worship. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change... I'll see you at church on Sunday.'



When the preacher stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said, 'Oh God, I almost sold your Son for a quarter.'



Our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read. This is a really scary example of how much people watch us as Christians and will put us to the test! Always be on guard and remember that you carry the name of Christ on your shoulders when you call yourself 'Christian'.



Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.!




WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE DONE.....?

11 comments:

LAURIE said...

Awesome Cheri. What a reminder that not only are people watching us but our Heavenly Fathers eyes are also upon us. God bless.

Jenifer said...

Hummmmmm. Wow! I just started leading a Bible Study on Proverbs 31. As I've looked into exactly what virtuous means this is what I've discovered. To be virtuous women means that we have been conformed to a standard of what is right; we possess qualities that are commendable, qualities that are worthy to be praised. The Lord has shown me once again that the standard of right that I am to conform to is Him in all His righteous and holiness- His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self control.

When I am conformed to His image then nothing of me will be seen- only the light of Jesus will shine through. Thanks for this post- it hits the ball home for what God has been teaching me this week.

How's the attitude of your heart been this week?

Blessings,
Jenifer

Darlene said...

That is good. I needed to be reminded that people are watching me. I work in public school and dealing with students is not always easy. Thanks for reminding me how far kind words can go.
Have a great weekend!!

Darlene said...

Thanks for stopping by my place. Yes, Andrea is my one and only. She is a senior this year and 18 years old. She is going to attend the University of Alabama in the fall. I am excited for her and scared to death! LOL We have had alot of growing pains this year ....but through the Grace of God we are hanging in there! It is so hard when they grow up and don't need you as much. Pray for us.

Kimberly said...

Wow. That is so good and so convicting! I need to be aware of the image of Christ that I myself am projecting. This is a great reminder!
And I love the last part, too! I have just started really praying that God will help me change my thought life. I need to write that down as a reminder of where my thoughts lead...they aren't just thoughts!
:) Love ya'! Have a great weekend!

Carol said...

Yikes! Kind of scary. I think I would have given the quarter back, but knowing me and how busy I am, I might not have noticed I had a quarter too much change and just gone on with my business!

Christina said...

This is a great lesson. It may be only a quarter but it is still stealing so I am glad the preacher figured out it was right to give it back. Because he did the right thing, God rewarded him with this new parishioner. That is truly a miracle.

Jenifer said...

Oh, girl. It is soooo hard. It would be so much easier if there were a special formula or something like that. We just have to purpose in our hearts that we are going to spend time with our Savior because He is number 1 (and if He's not number 1 then we need to do some re-prioritizing).

I'm like you in having to get up very early in the mornings to spend time with the Lord. I do good for a few weeks and then it slowly wanes. I'm right there with Paul when he says in Romans- I do what I don't want to do and don't do what I want to do. My heart's desire is to please God; it really is. But... Girl, we've got to just do it! We've got to do what God has called us to do so that we can be who He's called us to be.

We can't let the enemy hold guilt over our heads. We've got to humble ourselves under the authority of God, confess our sins to Him, repent, and get back on the road He has set before us.

Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I so wish we could go have coffee. It would be soooo fun!!

Blessings,
Jenifer

Kelley said...

Oh wow, this is one of the best things I have read in a long time! That is a story and a message I won't soon forget. I am so glad God brought me here to visit you tonight!

Kelley

ocean mommy said...

This is such an awesome word picture...

I'm really bad about not double checking the change, so I'm not sure I would have even noticed that I had been given too much!!

Christy said...

Wow! I LOVE this. >:0) You know, I always tell my oldest two children that even when they don't think people can see them doing wrong, God can! So we have to make the best decisions, possible, to make our Father proud of us. I really love this. Thanks for sharing!