by Ken Thomas
Matthew 25 records a parable in which 5 foolish girls were kept out of a wedding because they were too late arriving. This is a picture of the time when Jesus will return, and the unprepared will be unable to enter glory with him.
Early this month, on election day, I had given final tests in a summer school, and worked late to finish up all my reports. I would have to hurry to get back to Mt. Juliet to vote, but the traffic was light. As I neared the polling place a radio station gave the time as 6:58. With luck I could get in line before 7:00. As I came through the door, a poll officer said, "You can't vote." I questioned her watch's accuracy, but she said she had been given orders by her superior to close the poll. Frustrated and embarrassed I turned away with mixed feelings. I knew that lady, a fine Christian, was just doing her job and obeying the rules. No matter how much she wanted to, she would have been wrong to let me vote. THE DOOR WAS SHUT!
As I reassessed the situation, I realized that I should have been grateful that we still have people who respect the law, not bending the rules even for a freind and brother. It's always right to do right.