ThePreachersWord

American author David W. Augsburger whose works revolve around Christianity once wrote, “An open ear is the only believable sign of an open heart.”

This principle is important in all of our relationships.  In our families.  Communities. And professions. Openness is also vital in spiritual relationships. On this Lord’s Day it is important that we enter into worship with an attitude of openness.

Several years ago Dr. Richard Wiseman of the University of Hertforshire in England did a serious study to determine the world’s funniest joke.  Over 40,000 jokes were submitted.  Rated.  And judged.

The experiment demonstrated that people in different parts of the world have varying tastes in humor.  Americans like jokes with a character who’s made to look stupid.  New Zealanders, Australians and Brits prefer jokes involving word play.  Germans had no preference in jokes.

But, here’s  the joke that won first place regardless of gender, geography or age.

Seventeen years ago we were living in Spring Hill, TN. And I was preaching for the Jackson Heights church in Columbia. As I was preparing to leave for the office Norma Jean hollered for me to come into the family room. “A plane has hit one of the twin towers,” she yelled in disbelief.

Like millions of Americans we were stunned as we watched another plane hit the 2nd tower. Then the Pentagon was hit. Soon there was a report of the crash in PA. Later we learned of the heroism that prevented another catastrophic strike.

That day I did not go to the office.

Robert Jeffress wrote in his fine book “Choose your Attitudes, Change your Life” “Guilt is one of the most debilitating of human emotions. It wreaks destruction in our relationships and our spiritual lives.  It is also a major cause of depression”

Jeffress is right.  Guilt accuses. Guilt condemns. Guilt convicts. Guilt is mentally draining.  Physically demanding.  And spiritually disastrous.

Oscar Wilde was an Irish poet, playwright, and novelist.  He is credited with a quote that has become a part of the public domain.

“Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing.”   

Since Wilde lived in the 19^th century, I wonder what he would think today? 

The 17^th century author and theologian, Thomas Fuller, lamented, “We are born crying, live complaining and die disappointed.”

“Youth is a blunder, manhood a struggle, and old age a regret” opined the 19^th century British statesman and Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli.

Noted for his wit, word play and short stories, William Syndey Porter, known by his pen name O’Henry quipped, “Life is made up of sobs, sniffles and smiles.” Then he added, “With sniffles predominating.”

Howard Hendricks tells a great story when he was on an American Airline flight after a very long delay. A man who had too much to drink was being rude to the other passengers. Demanding with the flight attendants. And in a word just plain obnoxious!

Hendricks watched this flight attendant treat this unpleasant man with class, dignity and professionalism. She was unruffled. When he was rude, she was polite. When he was uncaring, she was kind.