The barber did not know who was sitting in his chair having his hair cut, neither was he prepared for what he was about to hear when he got the conversation about heaven and hell started. The barber’s statement was that he could not understand why there is so much talk of heaven and hell when they don’t exist. The gentleman in the chair, having his hair cut, being a Christian and faced with that statement for the first time, thought for a while. The barber, not knowing who he was, replied, ‘There are always the highly educated trying to convince others that something is that really is not, and at the same time, convincing the simple-minded to argue that that which is cannot be when there is overwhelming evidence that it is. Now, tell me, if heaven and hell don’t exist, are you not wasting time to argue about it?’
The barber replied, ‘You are right, but it’s Christians like you who really argue about it.’ That’s when the barber fell silent; he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Christians never argue about such matters; we believe that it is, for it is stupidity to look at a car that will not work and say nothing is wrong with it. Then, the barber replied that he did not understand what his client was trying to say. Therefore, he continued to say there is no hell or heaven is to say there is no God, which means something has to be wrong with you.
The barber’s anger began to stir; he turned to the young man and in an authoritative manner stated that there is no God; there cannot be a good God or even a great God or any God for that matter because there are too many people sick and suffering. The Christian replied, ‘Then there are no barbers.’ The barber was so astonished that he quietly said, ‘How could you believe that when I am cutting your hair?’ The answer not only caused him to become quiet but also believe that God not only exists but is also wonderful.
I passed many men on the way there that needed their hair cut; their hairs were not just long but many were dirty, and their heads all messed up. Therefore, according to you, there are no barbers.’ The Christian young man replied, ‘Well, there are barbers; just that those men don’t come to get their hair cut.’ The barber said, ‘Well said, young man. That’s the same thing with God; He is, but people don’t want to come to Him for help. You are telling me that God is mighty good and loving and, at the same time, a greater gentleman than all of us too.’ The Christian young man replied, ‘Now you get it,’ and I hope you understand it too.”
This is today’s crosspoint. Have a blessed day!
Accompanying Bible Verses:
- Psalm 14:1 (NIV): “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.”
- Hebrews 11:6 (NIV): “And without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
- James 2:19 (NIV): “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.”
