He was walking up the street as the parson was changing the message on the sign board.

“I sure am.” The parson stepped down from the step ladder and walked over to introduce himself. 

After introductions, the man said, “You sure got a tough job. Don’t know as how anyone would want your job.”

“Well, you’d have to say that. But truth is they’re really pretty wicked.”

The parson was getting a little edgy now. “I’m not sure you should be calling the folks here wicked.” 

“Well, begging your pardon, pastor, but I’m real sure. I grew up with them. I work with some of them. And I sure enough sowed some wild oats with a few of your more stalwart members. So I think I’m in a little better position to judge them than you.”

“Do you have a minute?” the parson asked. “I’d like to here a little more about this. Just give me a moment to finish the sign.” 

The parson made his way to the top of the step ladder again and completed the wording of the sign. While there he counseled himself to keep his temper in check and to remember the commandment to love his neighbor.

Finished he stepped down, folded the ladder up and invited the visitor to come into his study. 

“Oh, no, I’d rather talk out here. I’m not coming into that church.”

“Well, there’s nothing in the church on a weekday that should bother you,” said the parson. 

The parson led him over to the front porch. He sat himself down on the bench located there and invited him to sit on the opposite one. 

“What is it about the folks here that disturbs you?” asked the parson.

“Well, if you need to know, pastor, the people here are two-faced. They come and sit here on Sunday, singing praise to God almighty, praying their prayers, and acting all holy. Then during the week it’s just about as if they’d never heard of Jesus. They cuss, they use people. Why, I’ve even known some of them to steal.” 

“Look, my friend, this is not a congregation of saints. It’s ….”

The man interrupted, “It’s a place where people put on airs, act as if they are someone they are not. You need to open your eyes pastor. There are some really vile folks attending here. Fact is I could tell you about a couple of your members who need to keep their pants on more often.” 

“Gracious,” said the parson. “It appears you know a lot more about my folks than I. Looks to me as if the Lord has his work cut out with this crew.”

“I’m really glad you stopped by,” said the parson. “I really appreciate your insight.”

“Why don’t you worship with us this Sunday?” asked the parson.

“Pastor,” the man said as he rose from the bench, “you’ve got a lot of nerve thinking I would fit in with these hypocrites.”

“Oh, I know you would,” said the parson. “And we could always use one more.”