OOM PAH PAH

SERMON STORIES: LAUGH & LEARN
#8: OOM PAH PAH

An aspiring politician was trying to get votes. “Go to the villages,” his advisors told him, “There you will get more votes than in the city.”

So, he travelled to a remote village where a huge crowd turned up to hear him. “If you elect me,” he declared, “I will build you a clinic!” The people shouted, ”Oom pah pah!” The politician didn’t understand the local dialect.  

But he went on, “If you elect me, I will build you a school!” The people again shouted, “Oom pah pah! Oom pah pah!” Though he didn’t understand, he felt he was getting them excited. 

So he went on, “If you elect me, I will build you a community centre!” The people shouted even louder, “Oom pah pah! Oom pah pah”! He went on to make more promises, each time evoking the same response. Finally, satisfied he got their support and votes, he ended his speech. 

The village chief invited him to his home for tea. On the way, there were cows standing by the roadside. The chief said, “Be careful you do not step on the Oom pah pah.”

Those in public office need credibility. Sadly, in many parts of the world, integrity (saying what you do, and doing what you say) is lacking, hence incredibility followed by cynicism to any promise by politicians. 

“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.”
Proverbs 10:9 ESV