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            A woman was hired as a servant in a home  She was a good cook and prepared excellent meals, but none of the family showed up to eat.  Naturally she asked why her meals were untouched.  This was the reply she got:  “We furnish you the house and the food.  We pay you a salary.  Now it is up to you to get us to eat.”

            Again:  a school hired a teacher, paid him a salary, furnished him with a good building and equipment.  He came to school prepared to teach and the first morning no students came.  Naturally he wondered about it.  They replied, “We pay you a salary, furnish you a nice building and equipment.  It is up to you to get the pupils here for the school.”

            Again:  a church secured a preacher, erected a nice building, and supported the preacher.  He prepared his sermons and delivered them, but many of the congregation did not come.  Naturally, he wondered about the situation.  Upon inquiry, he was informed, “We pay you a salary and furnish a building for the audience.  It is up to you to come around and beg us to come hear you preach.”

            Which of these stories do you regard as the most foolish?  Or is there a difference in them? - Mid McKnight

Words of Truth, October 16, 1964