Third Class Ticket

Back when the West was being settled the major means of transportation was the stagecoach – we have all seen them in western movies. What you might not know is that the stagecoach had three different kinds of tickets: first-class, second-class, and third-class. If you had a first-class ticket that meant you could remain seated during the entire trip no matter what happened. If the stagecoach got stuck in the mud, or had trouble making it up a steep hill, or even if a wheel fell off, you could remain seated because you had a first-class ticket.

If you had a second-class ticket you also could remain seated…until there was a problem. In case of a problem, second-class ticket holders would have to get off until the problem was resolved. You could stand off to the side and watch as other people worked. You did not have to get your hands dirty. But second-class ticket holders were not allowed to stay on board. When the stagecoach was unstuck you would get back on and take your seat.

If you had a third-class ticket, you would definitely have to get off if there was a problem. Why? Because it was your responsibility to help solve the problem. You had to get out and push or help lift to fix a broken wheel or whatever was needed because you only had a third-class ticket.  I believe that god intended for us all to have 3^rd class tickets because we all need to be a part in helping to solve the problems in this world.  Those who feel they have 1^st class tickets can bemoan the state of our country and complain about what's happening and they sit there watching everyone else do the work.  2^nd class ticket holders can stand on the sidelines as well, passively marking the passage of time until the train starts again.  3^rd class ticket holders are co-creators with God getting the job done. How are you participating in bringing heaven to earth?

Author Info: Peggy Roberts

Chaplain Peggy Roberts is Vice President of the spiritual life Department here at Beatitudes. Peggy was ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and has served in pastoral ministry as well as being a hospice chaplain.