Enter my joy

His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.'" - Matthew 25:21

These familiar words are often used to complement a life well lived. The Gospel uses them to compliment a shrewd business deal. The connection? In our highly competitive, winner take all culture, all too often profit has taken the place of integrity. Recall a story I heard lately about both integrity and profit.

It seems a Montana cattle rancher was taking his cattle by train to the Chicago market.

Along the way it was discovered that a young cow had been included in the shipment and had given birth along the way. Removing the new calf from the cattle car and observing a teenager watching from an adjacent field, the rancher decided to give the calf to the young man. He also gave him his name and address and asked him to follow up on his luck with the young calf. Ten years later, the rancher received a letter with a picture of a herd of cattle. "The herd is paying for my education. Thanks for sending me to college."

Is that an amazing story? One act of integrity, mixed well with some very hard work and ingenuity provides a college education. That's the kind of story that could have been told of the Carson Valley. Think about it. A little faith goes a long way.

Come and share the joy of the master at the church of your choice this Sunday.

-- Pete Nelson is pastor at the Carson Valley United Methodist Church.