Years ago, a Signs of the Times author wrote a short reflection about the thief who died on a cross next to Jesus.
A man was once asked, “Are you a believer in the Christina religion?”
“Oh, certainly!” the man replied. “You are a member of some church, then, I suppose?” his questioner asked.
“No, indeed. Why should I join a church? The dying thief wasn’t a member of a church, and he will be in heaven.”
“But of course you have been baptized.” “Oh, no. I am as safe as the dying thief was, and he never was baptized”.
“ But since you will not join a church or be baptized, you will give your means to help others in some way?” “Of course not! The dying thief--” The friend interrupted, Let me remark that you seem to be on pretty intimate terms with the dying thief. You derive a great deal of consolation from his career. But there is one importation difference between you and him. He is a dying thief. You are a living one.”
Adapted from Sings of the Times, November 6, 1893
