Emphasis Preaching Journal

There's a Jewish story about a young man who once came to a famous rabbi, asking how he might himself become a rabbi. The proud young man began to explain his qualifications: "You see, rabbi, I always go dressed in spotless white like the sages of old. I never drink any alcohol; only water ever passes my lips. I live a plain and simple life. I have placed sharp-edged nails inside my shoes to mortify the flesh. Even in the coldest weather, I lie naked in the snow to torment my flesh.