A religious man, traveling through...
Illustration
A religious man, traveling through a small town, had car trouble and rented a room at the village hotel while his automobile was being repaired. That evening, he decided to visit the area churches hoping to attend a mid-week prayer service. Getting directions from the hotel desk clerk he set out on his journey. As he walked toward a large, stone church, he was elated to see many people around the church, but was greatly disappointed when he entered to find a vigorous bingo game in progress.
Leaving, he walked to another nearby edifice of worship, but found the congregation engaged in a heated discussion about a forthcoming presidential primary. Still somewhat hopeful, he walked a few blocks to another large, downtown church, but the congregation was enjoying a potluck supper to celebrate the construction of a new parking lot for rental to the local town business people. Somewhat dejected, the persistent traveler pressed on toward another old, but magnificent structure with lighted, stained-glass windows and a soaring bell tower. He passed through the massive doors into the sanctuary to find a very loud congregation involved in a bitter argument over the choice of color for the new sanctuary carpeting.
The traveler made his way back to the hotel, very sad at what he had seen and heard. As he walked through the lobby, the desk clerk noted his unhappy countenance and asked about his experience.
"I am afraid," said the traveler, "that our Father's houses have become places of commerce and contention. It is good that the kingdom of heaven is within, because one cannot find it without."
-- Byrd
Leaving, he walked to another nearby edifice of worship, but found the congregation engaged in a heated discussion about a forthcoming presidential primary. Still somewhat hopeful, he walked a few blocks to another large, downtown church, but the congregation was enjoying a potluck supper to celebrate the construction of a new parking lot for rental to the local town business people. Somewhat dejected, the persistent traveler pressed on toward another old, but magnificent structure with lighted, stained-glass windows and a soaring bell tower. He passed through the massive doors into the sanctuary to find a very loud congregation involved in a bitter argument over the choice of color for the new sanctuary carpeting.
The traveler made his way back to the hotel, very sad at what he had seen and heard. As he walked through the lobby, the desk clerk noted his unhappy countenance and asked about his experience.
"I am afraid," said the traveler, "that our Father's houses have become places of commerce and contention. It is good that the kingdom of heaven is within, because one cannot find it without."
-- Byrd
