It was the final Sunday for a pastor who was leaving to serve in another church. He stood at the reception line saying farewell to his congregation at the church doors for the last time. As he shook the hand of an elderly lady, she said to him, “Your successor won’t be as good as you.”
Flattered by the kind remarks from a lady who was sparse with compliments, he said in reply, “Well, thank you, but I doubt that is the case.”
“No, really”, said the old lady, “I’ve been here under five different ministers, and each new one has been worse than the last.”
Perhaps she (and we) could learn a powerful truth found in God’s Word: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29)
Be Transformed 