Two Parables About Perspective and Priorities
David Faust shares two memorable parables that challenge readers to examine what they look for and what they value. One contrasts two diners whose attitudes shape their experiences, while the other warns of the cost when a preacher is too busy to say “no.”
- Our outlook influences whether we notice what is good or what is wrong.
- The same lesson about perspective can carry into the way we approach church.
- A life filled with worthwhile activities can still neglect important responsibilities close to home.
By David Faust
Two Hungry Men
And it came to pass that a man desired to eat dinner, so he ventured forth to a restaurant known for its homemade cuisine. While driving there, the man pondered how strange it was that hungry individuals would leave the comfort and convenience of their own homes and pay others significant sums of money to prepare “homemade” food for them.
Upon his arrival at the restaurant, he found fault with the meal and found many reasons to complain. The server was slow. The salad dressing was too tart. The spaghetti was undercooked and the dessert was overpriced. Angry and disappointed, the diner stormed away without leaving a tip, vowing never to eat in that restaurant again.
On the same evening another man ventured forth to the same restaurant, feeling tired and hungry after a hard day’s work. While driving there, he wondered if he should simply have stayed home and opened a can of soup.
But upon his arrival at the restaurant, he was pleasantly surprised. The server treated him kindly despite having to care for many other tables as well, including one where a particularly cranky customer complained about everything. The salad was crisp and cold, with a tangy dressing the man had never tasted before. Twisting the spaghetti on his fork, the diner commented about the sauce and the meatballs. The server smiled and said, “The chef was born in Italy. It’s a special family recipe. He will be delighted to hear you enjoyed it!”
The satisfied diner left a generous tip and walked to his car, looking forward to the next time he would eat in that restaurant. He thought to himself, “I’m going to tell my friends about this place.” And while driving home he pondered how we tend to find good if we look for it, and bad if we look for it.
And it came to pass on a Sunday morning that two men ventured forth to go to church . . .
The Preacher Who Wouldn’t Say ‘No’
My friend, the late Dr. Ward Patterson, wrote the following parable, which appeared in Christian Standard on June 8, 1980.
Behold, a certain preacher went forth to labor. He was most eloquent, and wherever he journeyed great multitudes enjoyed his orations. And it came to pass that he was in great demand. He traveled to far states to speak at conventions, and to serve on panels, and to work on committees. And he became a great man in his tribe of churches, for it came to be known that indeed here was a man who wouldn’t say no.
And it came to pass that the people of his own congregation began to be in want, for there was a mighty famine in the work of the local church. But none said, “I will arise and go to my preacher, and will say to him, ‘Preacher, I need your help.’” For it was widely known that he was a busy man and should not be bothered with trifles. Was he not a great preacher?
And his children grew far from him, for their father was always journeying to a far state or preparing an important message. And their mother comforted them, saying, “He is making a great name for himself and you.” But the children didn’t want a great name—they wanted a great father.
And it came to pass that the preacher died. And at the judgment, he said, “Lord, Lord, am I not known to you? I am the great man who was never known to say no. Have I not delivered many mighty addresses in your name, and in your name served on committees, and in your name done many well-known things? Have I not used my time well—I who wouldn’t say no?”
And the great Judge of the universe said, “No.”
This article by David Faust was first published on March 10, 2010. Dave has written weekly essays for The Lookout and Christian Standard for over 30 years. His articles have been collected and are now available for free, searchable by topic and Scripture reference, on the website DaveFaustWrites.com.
Author: David Faust
David Faust serves as contributing editor of Christian Standard and senior associate minister with East 91st Street Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is the author of Not Too Old: Turning Your Later Years into Greater Years.
