15 Pentecost - Luke 16:1-13

After the council meeting, which is often when the real conversation happens, the topic

turned to the developing plans for video screens in our sanctuary if and when our

Shepherd of Tomorrow campaign reaches enough of our goal to include them.

One thoughtful council member asked if I would ever use the screens during sermons.

Maybe.

Let's experiment today and see how it goes.

Here's a short story about passengers on a train:

The moral at the end about kindness is not the only possible conclusion.

For me growing up, the more likely takeaway would have been, the woman who

gave up her seat is a liar and a troublemaker.

She lied to the old man and led him to cheat the system, then convinced the ticket agent

to cover it up, compromising his integrity too.

He could lose his job and the trust of the train company by allowing this.

Why does he reward her rule breaking with a free seat?

Doesn't this open Pandora's box and send us down a slippery slope to customers exploiting the train and threatening its success?

Don't let bleeding heart sentimentality or the small scope of the offense obscure proper

judgment; whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much.

They should all be punished for breaking the rules.

This is the mindset of much of religion, which Jesus regularly resists.