The Greedy Pastor

It was a Sunday morning, the kind that was filled with the promise of peace and tranquility. As an usher in the local church, John's role was to ensure the smooth running of the service. He was standing at the back of the church, awaiting the arrival of the pastor when he noticed a stranger. The man was dressed in a simple, almost worn-out suit, and his eyes seemed to hold a weight that belied his appearance.

"Good morning," the stranger said, his voice barely a whisper. John nodded, returning the greeting.

"I have something for the pastor," the man continued, handing John a small packet. "It's a gift."

John took the packet and glanced at it. It was a simple packet of sugar, the kind you'd find in any grocery store. He was about to thank the man when he handed him another envelope.

"And this is for you," the man said, his eyes fixed on John.

John hesitated, but he took the envelope. It felt heavy, and when he weighed it in his hand, he knew it contained something more than just paper.

"Thank you," John said, but the man was already gone.

When the pastor arrived, John briefed him on the strange encounter. The pastor listened to John with a mixture of amusement and disbelief.

"A packet of sugar?" the pastor chuckled. "And he gave you ten thousand naira?"

John nodded, feeling a little embarrassed. The pastor shook his head.

"It's inconceivable," the pastor said. "Why would someone donate a simple packet of sugar to a pastor and give you ten thousand naira?"

John shrugged. He didn't have an answer.

The pastor took the money from John and gave him the packet of sugar. "Keep it," the pastor said. "It's a blessing."

John thanked the pastor and went home. As soon as he got there, he unsealed the nylon of the sugar and tore the packet. His heart pounded as he looked inside. Instead of sugar, he found a bundle of crisp, hundred-dollar bills. It was a fortune, more than he could have ever imagined.

John sat down, his mind racing. How could this have happened? Who was the stranger, and why had he given him this gift?

The next Sunday, John stood before the congregation and shared his story. The church was filled with a hush as he described the encounter with the stranger and the unbelievable contents of the sugar packet. When he finished, the church erupted in applause and cheers.

A few weeks later, the pastor summoned John to his office. "John," the pastor began, his voice stern, "I've given this much thought, and I believe that the sugar packet and the money you received should be returned to the church."

John was taken aback. "Why?" he asked.

"It's a gift from God," the pastor replied. "And it should be used for the benefit of the congregation."

John refused. "I believe the gift was intended for me," he said firmly. "I earned it."

The pastor was incensed. He accused John of greed and dishonesty. John, in turn, accused the pastor of trying to steal from him.

The dispute escalated, and eventually, it became a legal battle. John hired a lawyer, and the pastor did the same. The case attracted significant media attention, and the entire community was divided over the issue.

After months of legal wrangling, the judge ruled in John's favor.

The pastor was devastated by the decision. He had lost not only the money but also his reputation. John, on the other hand, had emerged victorious. He had not only kept the fortune but had also defended his honor.