The village church’s ageing deacon was becoming a bit of a problem. Every time the preacher got up to speak, the deacon would drop off to sleep.
The preacher’s wife was worried.
“Can’t you do something about old Tom?” She asked her husband. What on earth will people think if he continues to do the sort of thing?”
The next Sunday, when the pastor got up to speak, the deacon fell asleep as usual. The pastor paused for a while, and then, very softly, he said: All those who would like to go to heaven, please stand up.”
Everyone except the sleeping deacon did.
“Please sit down,” said the pastor. “Now, all those who want to go to hell, please stand up.” He deliberately said the last two words extra loud. All that the snoring deacon heard was the words “stand up” so he jumped to his feet!
