The
Old Cowboy and an SDA Church
One Sabbath morning an old cowboy entered a Loma Linda Seventh-day Adventist church
just before services were to begin. Although the old man and his clothes were
spotlessly clean, he wore jeans, a denim shirt and boots that were very worn
and ragged.
In his hand he carried a worn out old hat and an equally well read Bible.
The church he entered was in a very upscale and exclusive part of the city.
It was the largest and most beautiful church the old
cowboy had ever seen.
The people of the congregation were all dressed with
expensive clothes and jewelry.
As the cowboy took a seat, the others moved away from him. No one greeted,
spoke to, or welcomed him.
They were all appalled by his appearance and did not attempt to hide it.
As the old cowboy was leaving the church, the preacher approached him and
asked the cowboy to do him a favor.
"Before you come back in here again, have a talk with God and ask him
what he thinks would be appropriate attire for worship in church." The
old cowboy assured the preacher he would.
The next Sabbath, he showed back up for the services wearing the same ragged
jeans, shirt, boots, and hat. Once again he was completely shunned and
ignored. The preacher approached the cowboy and said, "I thought I asked
you to speak to God before you came back to our church."
"I did," replied the old cowboy.
"If you spoke to God, what did he tell you the proper attire should be
for worshiping in here?" asked the preacher.
"Well, sir, God told me that He didn't have a clue what I should wear.
He said He had not been in this church since Ellen White wrote the following
statement:
"Satan has COME IN with his specious temptations, and has led
the professed followers of Christ away from the [PILOT] Leader (Christ),
classing them with the foolish virgins." Testimonies to Ministers,
p. 130.
Have courage for the great sorrows of
life,
and patience for the small
ones;
and when you have
accomplished your daily
task,
go to sleep in peace
.
.... God is awake.
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