A young pastor was once asked to preach a sermon on sex. Being somewhat reserved he found himself embarrassed when he came to write the word “sex” in his notes while preparing his sermon. To remove this discomfort he decided to simply put the letter “S” wherever the word “sex” was to be used.
During his preparation the young pastor’s wife came in and looked over his shoulder. She noticed the letter “S” planted liberally throughout the text and asked him what the topic for the sermon was. Embarrassed even to tell his wife the topic the young pastor said, “s…s…sailing! That’s what the sermon’s about, sailing.”
His wife thought it a bit of an odd topic for a sermon, but guessed sailing might form a good analogy to the Christian life.
Come Sunday the young pastor’s wife was sick with the flu and missed church. Her husband however preached a terrific sermon. Although he started nervously he warmed to the topic as the sermon progressed and handled the matter most tactfully and helpfully.
During the following week a member of the congregation was speaking to the young pastor’s wife. “Oh your husband preached a beautiful sermon last Sunday. He handled a difficult topic most sensibly and I found what he had to say rather helpful.”
“Well that is a surprise” said the young pastor’s wife. “I’m afraid I didn’t think he’d be of much help to anybody. After all, he’s only ever done it twice, and both time she went right overboard !”
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