An old farmer had a wife who died. Before she died, she asked her husband if he would promise to go back to church. As she took her last breathes, the farmer made his promise to her to return to the church. The following Sunday the farmer was working in a field when he remembered his promise. So with great haste, he got into his old truck and drove into town. He wasn't sure where to go, so he found the biggest, fanciest, church in town. He was running late, so he parked and rushed into the church, dirty boots and clothes leaving a trail to the front pew which was the only open seating left. The old farmer sat down just as the pastor came to the pulpit and began his message. While he was preaching, the pastor noticed the dirty old farmer sitting in the front row, a seat usually reserved for dignitaries.
After the service, while doing his greeting at the door as the church members left, the pastor greeted the old farmer.
"Hello friend!", said the pastor. "Are you new here?"
"Yes" said the farmer. "My wife recently died and I promised her I would return to church. I wasn't sure where to go so I landed here."
"Very good" said the pastor, "but let me ask you something, do you pray? If not, I suggest you begin." And as he looked the old man up and down he said, "and while you're praying, ask the Lord what the dress code is here."
"I'll do that" said the old man, and then he went home.
The next Sunday the old farmer was again hard at work in his field. Suddenly remembering it was Sunday, the same scenario played out as the week before. The dirt covered farmer planted himself on the front row. The pastor came out, saw the dirty old man and was obviously not pleased. After the service the old farmer spoke with the pastor. The pastor said, "Well I see you're back" as he again looked the man up and down, noticing the dirt and mud. "So, did you pray this week?"
"Yes I did" said the farmer.
"Did the Lord speak to you?", asked the pastor. "Yes He did" replied the farmer.
"Really?", said the pastor sarcastically. "Well if He did, did He tell you what the dress code is here?"
"No", said the old man.
"Why not?", asked the pastor.
"Well sir," replied the old man, "the Lord said He didn't know what the dress code is here. He said He'd never been here before."
Moral of the story:
Judge not. Come as you are. All are welcome.
