TARGET PRACTICE: AN OBJECT LESSON
A young lady named Sally relates her experience in a seminary class given by her teacher, Dr. Smith. She says that Dr. Smith was known for his elaborate object lessons.
One particular
day, Sally walked into the seminary and knew they were in for a fun day. On the wall was a big target, and on a nearby table were many darts.
Dr. Smith told the students to draw a picture of someone they disliked or someone who had made them angry, and he would allow them to place their image
over the target and throw darts at the person's picture.
Sally's friend drew a picture of a girl who had stolen her boyfriend. Another friend drew an image of his little brother.
Sally drew a picture of a former friend, putting great detail into her drawing, even drawing pimples on the face. Sally was pleased with the overall effect she had achieved.
The class lined up and began throwing
darts. Some students threw their darts with such force that their targets ripped apart. Sally looked forward to her turn and was disappointed when Dr. Smith asked the students to return to their seats because of time limits.
As Sally sat thinking about how angry she was because she didn't have
a chance to throw any darts at her target, Dr. Smith began removing the darts, the pictures, and finally the target itself.
Underneath the target was a piece of paper with the word: GOD.
A hush fell over the room as each student viewed the mangled picture obliterating God's holy name. Holes and jagged marks covered the paper and made God's name unseeable.
Dr. Smith said only these words.
"In as much as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me. Matthew 25:40."
No other words were necessary, the tear-filled eyes of the students focused only on the tattered paper where once there was God’s name.