Long Hair – Short Skirt
Long Hair
A young man visited church one day with his girl friend. He had four or five rings in each ear, sandals on his feet, and hair down to his shoulders. As he and his girlfriend left services, the pastor made sure that they knew they would be welcomed back. They did return and soon became regular attendees.
One day one of the “church folk” went to the pastor and said, “I have had all of that hair that I can take. First chance I get I am going to talk to that boy.” The pastor’s reply was “Oh, no you won’t ! That young man is welcome in our church and you will not tell him that he has to cut his hair to be here.”
Short Skirt
A young lady came into church one day and quietly slipped into the back pew. The moment the final “amen” was said she quickly and quietly slipped out. Since the pastor was in the back greeting people as they left, he was the only person there to welcome her and invite her back. He was not, however, the only person who saw her come and go.
The young lady’s heels were high, her dress was short, and her makeup and jewelry were extreme. “Did you see how that young lady was dressed?” was the first thing the pastor heard from dear Mrs. “Church Lady”.
“Yes, I did,” the pastor replied, “and I invited her back. If she visits our church again, I want to see you warmly greeting her. Everyone is welcome in this church, and they can come just as they are.”
The people passing out this paper are, in fact, inviting you to attend church with them. You do not have to fit into a “church folk” mold to attend; you will be welcomed just as you are.
Just As You Are
God invites people to come to Him, and He invites them to come just as they are. The church has known this and preached this for a very long time.
In 1834 Charlotte Elliot wrote these words:
Just as I am
Without one plea
But that Thy Blood was shed for me
And that thou bids me come to thee
O Lamb of God I come.
Ms Elliot’s invitation was patterned after Jesus’ invitation: “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29
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