Famous writer Leo Tolstoy wanted to pray in silence. So, he reached the church before dawn.
But by the time he was inside the church, a man already stood in prayer, bellowing — “Dear God! I have committed too many sins in my life. I am ashamed even to think about them…….. Please forgive me.”
Tolstoy immediately had a deep admiration for the person who was confessing his sins to God.
On getting close, he recognized the man as one of the town’s renowned businessmen.
Whereas, the man was alarmed seeing Tolstoy closing in. He opened the conversation in a firm voice — “I hope you didn’t hear whatever I spoke to God today.”
Tolstoy smiled and replied, “Well, sir, I’m afraid I heard every word you said.” And I have a deep admiration for your confession.” He continued, “After all, realization is the ultimate salvation.”
The man turned red. Who is he to judge me?
“I don’t care what it is…. but I dare you to talk about it with others!” The man’s voice turned stern and loud. “The conversation is only between me and God. Just don’t share it with the rest of the world.”
“Did you understand?”
Tolstoy muttered, “But you just said… “No, only between me and God!” He interrupted in a threatening tone and walked away.
Tolstoy stared in disbelief while the man left the church.
He asked himself — “Why do the people of this world fear men more than god?”
Men are only miniature creations of god.
If someone cannot accept their mistake in front of men, how can they ever, in front of god?
These men are trying to bribe god.
“Power does not corrupt. Fear corrupts… perhaps the fear of a loss of power.”
― John Steinbeck
