Today’s sermon was based on the story of two sons, asked to help their dad. One said yes and didn’t do it, the other said no, but did it anyway. Do you know that story? Imagine those were your sons.
Which of the two sons would you consider trustworthy? How would you react to their replies and subsequent behavior?
Our pastor, Rev. Steve Hundley, at the Madison Valley Presbyterian Church in Ennis, MT spoke on that topic today, inspired by the story in Matthew 21: 28-31.
The Parable of the Two Sons
28 “What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’
29 “‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.
30 “Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.
31 “Which of the two did what his father wanted?”
“The first,” they answered.
As usual, I listened to the sermon and took my notes in poetry. He started out by telling us about his grandmother’s advice to him when he announced (after graduating from college) that he had decided to go to seminary:
“When you stand up to preach,
Don’t scold those who don’t come.
They aren’t there to hear it,”
My grandmother advised (she wasn’t dumb!).
“When you preach – remember
To stomp on your own feet first.
When you do that,” my grandma said,
“You’ll serve living water to those who thirst.”
In today’s scripture, we heard
Of two sons and their replies.
One said yes and didn’t do it.
The other, “No!” but did it. Which one cries?
The one who failed to follow through
Was the one who’ll live with regret.
Unlike him, we need to be obedient.
Don’t say yes – and then forget!
Paul Tillick said, “In every human heart
Is a faint recollection of our Maker.”
If that’s true, we can see God
Even in the disobedient faker.
The second son may have said “Yes, but…”
In his response of a silent “No,”
Other things may have taken precedence,
But he didn’t want his “No” to show.
How many times do we say yes
And then fail to follow through?
Better to say No and then do it.
I want to be trustworthy; how about you?
What jobs are you being asked to do?
Are they tasks you look forward to?
Or are you dragging your feet?
Schedule it for tomorrow
After a relaxing Sunday afternoon/evening.
And then…
Just Do It!
Hugs,
JanBeek
As your trustworthy blogger,
I’ll see you tomorrow.
Comments on: "Are You Trustworthy?" (4)
I suppose actions speak louder than words
I think that may be the bottom line!
Which would I consider trustworthy? Neither.
Both lack the discipline and honesty to be considered trustworthy. Neither set out to do the work before being asked, so they take no ownership in the work or endevour.
Very viable points, Peter. I would prefer sons who see the work that needs to be done and then pitch in to do it before being asked. It’s hard to create that kind of work-ethic and compassion! Might have to be in their DNA!