"I'll Just Keep Trying to Please The Lord!"

The following rhythmic verses by an unknown author are offered as an encouragement to faithful preachers worldwide:

When I preach, there are some who say they could listen to me all day. Others think I preach too “long.” Still others think I go about it wrong.

Some say my sermon is much too deep. To others, it’s “shallow,” and they go to sleep. Some report that I hold them “spellbound,” while others squirm and look around.

Some speak of me as an “orator,” but others think I’m a perfect “bore!” Some affirm that I’m too bold. Others wink, and say I’m cold. Some used to say that I was much too young. Now, others say my “spring has sprung!”

Some folks say I have met “success.” Others think my work is a “mess.” Some have said my pay is too “low,” when they discovered the pace I go. Still others say it is above the peak — “Why, he only works three hours a week!”

From all of this, ’tis plain to see that as a preacher, I’m up a tree. Condemned if I do. Condemned if I don’t! Criticized if I will. Criticized if I won’t! I can’t please men of such discord — so “I’ll just keep trying to please the Lord!”

To which this writer responds, “Amen, and Preach on, brother!” (2 Timothy 4:1-5).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets