A Man Had Two Neighbors Poem by Martin Rini

Let me tell you the story of my two neighbors.
A man had two neighbors.

One was educated, polished, principled, and upright, a religious man
quick to say what is right and what is wrong and to back up his judgments by quoting Scripture, chapter and verse.

The other was non-degreed, blue-collar, casual, less presumptuous
but kinder, more generous in deed, and quick to offer a tool, the skill of his hands, or the knowledge of his experience to resolve the latest home improvement.

One echoed the Pharisee in the front of the synagogue thanking God that he was 'not like the rest of men.'

The other made no pretense at being who and what he was. He was, rather, more like the Publican in the back of the meeting place, beating his breast and only heard to pray: 'Lord, have mercy on me a sinner.'

One was acknowledged by his church and the community as a righteous man, unbending, outspoken, firm, quick to decide and unafraid to speak his mind, certain that he alone spoke the Truth.

The other was less verbal, choosing rather to allow his behavior to speak for him, and more certain that his way was not the only way.

Both men died and stood before their Maker.

One remained certain that he was an upright man and deserved his eternal reward. The other remained less certain of where he stood and could only say that he had 'tried.'

One neighbor was vindicated, for his humility had saved him.
The other was damnably right to the very end and in the end damned to an eternal end.

A man had two neighbors.
What kind of neighbor are you?