Weekly Briefing: Stories, Volume 2: Both of which include the word “Ass”

Introduction: I grew up in a King James Version world.  My generation may have been the last. But in those days the word “ass” was not used as a curse word, it showed up regularly in the KJV sermons I heard.

Story #1: My first sermon

Sitting on your stool of do-nothing vs. get up off your ass and…

• Application: Is there a better way to say it?

• Application: Eliminate the word “you” and insert “we” (In most cases, you’re not ready to say anything until you do this.)

THINKS before you say it:

Is it true?

Is it helpful?

Is it inspiring?

Is it necessary?

Is it kind?

Is it succinct?

Story #2: The day I was called an ass.

• Application: Focus on what people mean not what they say.

• Application: Courage is the virtue that makes all other virtues possible but humility is the virtue that makes all other virtues acceptable to God.

“He was a good man in the worse possible way.” _Mark Twain

God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. (James 4:6)

• Reflection question: (In light of what I am supposed to be doing) Who am I here for? (“My purpose can be found just across the border of “What’s in it for me?”)

• The ultimate answer for all ministers (under Christ) is that we are here for the laity.  We serve them; we work for them.