The "Haircut"

My inbox is bombarded with email stories and jokes every day! Some are hilarious anecdotes; some hoaxes; some tear-jerkers; some....well some just never should have been sent. I got one this morning that falls into the "anecdote with a purpose" file. A friend was sending out a reminder of how important it is for Americans to vote as INFORMED citizens. It also has great implications for the church ... check it out...
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The Haircut
One day a florist goes to a barber for a haircut. After the cut he asks about his bill and the barber replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The florist is pleased and leaves the shop.

When the barber goes to open his shop the next morning there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen roses waiting for him at his door.

Later, a cop comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The cop is happy and leaves the shop.

The next morning when the barber goes to open up there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen donuts waiting for him at his door (a little stereotypical slant).

Later that day, a college professor comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The professor is very happy and leaves the shop.

The next morning when the barber opens his shop, there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen different books, such as 'How to Improve Your Business' and 'Becoming More Successful.'

Then, a Congressman comes in for a haircut, and when he goes to pay his bill the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The Congressman is very happy and leaves the shop.

The next morning when the barber goes to open up, there are a dozen congressmen lined up waiting for a free haircut.

And that, my friends, illustrates the fundamental difference between the citizens of our country and the members of our Congress. Your vote counts!
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Great story!!! Sure reminds us of the importance of informed voting. It also reminds me of Jesus' example as He modeled servant leadership for His church -- even in these uncertain times. Let us not kid ourselves, people will be watching and scrutinizing Christians more than ever. Jesus put serving ahead of everything and modeled it consistently, even when closest friends and family complained, some of the “religious” community criticized and boycotted His ministry efforts, and people lined up to abuse His generosity. Jesus just kept on serving!

If the evangelical church in America would have been following that model all along, the congressional lineup for the “haircut” would be irrelevant. Sadly, it’s not.

Keep on keepin’ on (serving) in HIM!