A Can of Worms

A minister decided that a visual demonstration would add emphasis to his Sunday sermon. Four worms were placed in four separate jars. The first worm was put into a container of alcohol. The second worm was put into a container of cigarette smoke. The third worm was put into a container of chocolate syrup. The fourth worm was put into a container of good clean soil. At the conclusion of the sermon, the minister reported the following results:

  • The first worm in alcohol—dead.
  • The second worm in cigarette smoke—dead.
  • The third worm in chocolate syrup—dead.
  • The fourth worm in good clean soil—alive.

So the minister asked the congregation what they could learn from the demonstration. An elderly lady was sitting in the back. She quickly raised her hand and said, “As long as you drink, smoke, and eat chocolate, you won’t have worms!” That pretty much ended the service.

That logic is so backward that it’s funny. Sadly, people sometimes go to unbelievable lengths to twist the truth to fit their own needs. It is a common malady in our culture. With evidence of God’s existence, power and love everywhere, many refuse to believe. And in some quarters folks go to great lengths to twist the truth to make it fit their life.

To ignore the truth isn’t wise. Listen to this!

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them (Romans 1:18-19)

Don’t open that can of worms.

Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).

Over my lifetime I have opened a can of worms or two and paid dearly for it. How about you?[reminder] I am so grateful for the freedom that comes when I live according to God ‘s word. Love to hear your comments.

Comments

  1. That’s why I don’t have worms, who would have thunk!!!! Good illustration we need to really think about that.

  2. Well, this was funny, BUT it is SO sad and SO true. I am thinking about printing it so my 2nd grade granddaughter and do this for her next Science Fair Project…..in the 3rd grade. One of my daughters, did a project with nicotine and fish for one project when she was in Elementary School. It made the fish go crazy….it was actually quite funny to watch but having tried smoking myself (Thank you, Jesus it make me SO sick) I understood why the fish went crazy. Though it made my whole body numb and definitely SICK to my stomach. God is good and I thank him I don’t smoke. Both my dad and brother died from smoking and my brother also Alcohol….

  3. I am a clinical counselor, indirect a Christian counseling practice in Columbus Ohio. I have been a fan of yours for decades. Wonderful observation with the can of worms ! God’s word guides as well if we will only allow it to. I too have made my share of poor decisions when I twisted his truth to fit my desires. Grateful for your ministry!
    Bob Uhle. LPCC-S, LSW
    Director, Cornerstone Family Services

  4. That was so good. And yes it’s so sad when people take verses out of the Bible & then use them out of context just to say, I’m right, you’re wrong.

  5. Great Sermon and admonition. However, I don’t believe there is enough alcohol, tobacco and chocolate to kill my worms. I thank God for His mercy and for sending His only begotten son, Jesus Christ as a sacrifice for the forgiveness of my sins. Without Christ, my soul would suffer eternal damnation.
    Praise the Lord. I truly appreciate you as well as your sense of humor and message.

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