A REAL FRIEND

All of us can relate to times when we didn't have it all together as far as our personal appearance was concerned. Perhaps, something wasn't fastened or zipped. Something was out of place. Something foreign was attached to us. (Once, when I arose from a pew to go to the platform to preach, some joker attached a clothespin to the bottom of the back of my suit jacket. People were laughing as it bounced up and down during my trek to the pulpit.) Well, I've given enough hints of what I'm talking about for you to get the idea, but let's use the example of my shirt tail hanging out in back. (There are many much more embarrassing examples one could use--examples of things that do happen.) So, here I am, thinking I have it all together in my appearance, getting ready to go up on the platform. Suddenly, some one grabs my arm and whispers into my ear, "Your shirt tail is hanging out." Then, I realize why people have been whispering or laughing behind my back all evening. I don't get angry at the one who just told me something was out of place. No. In fact, I have something I like to say in replying back to such a one: "Thank you. You are a real friend to let me know." Others were afraid to tell me not wanting to embarrass me. Others were enjoying the laugh. Others didn't want to get involved. Some were waiting for some one else to tell me. Some reasoned that I would figure it out sooner or later on my own. But, it was a real friend that gave me the heads up. Of course, once being told, I quickly rectified the problem. It is a real friend that will tell you that you are doing wrong in your life. It is a real friend that would tell you that you are not prepared for eternity. It is a real friend that would warn you of the need to surrender to God. It is a real friend that would tell you that you need to come to church. That's a real friend. If you have a friend like that, be thankful and take heed to what he/she is telling you. Get it right just as you would something wrong with your clothing. Then, go thank your real friend.

A REAL FRIEND

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