Tidbits of humor are frequently shared in our men’s Sunday School class at Vienna First Baptist. Here are a few examples. If you want to hear more we meet at ten o’clock. Viewer discretion is advised.

David Chancy, Dean of Georgia’s Aerial Applicators according to Joiner’s Corner’s Research Department, was quoted during a discussion on mistakes. “One time I thought I was wrong,” David had said to a young Richard Hall long ago, “but I found out I was mistaken.”

I’ll have ample opportunities to use that line. Several years back my wife sweetly informed me, “You like to be right.” With a disarming smile she graciously added, “Most of the time you are right, but not always.”  

She may be on to something. I have occasionally defended positions which are contrary to facts. If I can master the art of doing that while keeping a straight face I may go into politics. That strategy works for both parties and can take you to the top.  

The aforementioned Richard Hall, who represents half of our teaching team, shared another memorable quote during a lesson about consistency in our Christian walk. Richard said, “It’s like that old saying – You can’t ride two horses with one butt.”

That old saying was new to me, but it sure hit home. Many times I’ve tried to straddle two horses. Richard’s comment reminds me of what Jesus said in Matthew 6:24: “No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other: or he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”

 Unless you’re a circus performer, riding two horses is a bad idea. Yet it’s tempting in multiple aspects of life. Procrastination is one example of how it works in spiritual matters. Rather than saying no to God, it seems more palatable to delay. 

I grew up attending Harmony Baptist Church, a rural congregation in a white-clapboard building just a mile from our home. One of the Sunday night invitation hymns was “Oh Why Not Tonight?” It’s tempting to answer by riding two horses, ignoring the fact that can’t last forever.     

One more Sunday School quote I’ll mention today was shared by yours truly during a discussion on the benefits of memorizing scripture. I acknowledged my faltering memory, and told them I’d asked my doctor if anything could be done. He said, “Just try to forget about it.” 

That’s a partly fictional story, but there’s no need to be alarmed. We have an exceptionally astute group of men who know when something is said in jest.        

The main thing today’s quotes have in common is they were part of our Bible study discussions. Humor, I believe, can sometimes enhance serious lessons, but you’re welcome to stop by one Sunday and see for yourself. If you disagree I’ll gladly apologize, but I may cite my friend David Chancy. “One time I thought I was wrong, but I found out I was mistaken.”