TULIP BULBS
Dec 30, 2025
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SERMON STORIES: LAUGH & LEARN
#25: TULIP BULBS
The CEO of a Fortune 500 company called together his team. “One of you will succeed me when I step down next year,” he announced.
He showed them a basket of tulip bulbs. “Take one each, and grow it. At the end of the year, bring it back and I will choose my successor.”
Over the months, everyone was talking about how his tulip plant was growing—except one man. His was not growing at all. His wife urged him, “Why don’t you just go and buy a tulip plant?” But he in good conscience would not do it.
On an appointed day, the team members brought their tulip plants, all looking elegant and beautiful. The CEO went through them till he came to the pot without any plant. “What’s the meaning of this?” he demanded.
“I tried my best, Sir,” the man confessed, “but it just would not grow.” The CEO placed his hand over the man’s shoulder, and said, “You will be my successor.”
The man was shocked. All in the room waited for an explanation. “You see,” the CEO revealed, “I boiled the tulip bulbs before I gave them to you.”
An honest person is hard to find. Many cast honesty aside when tempted with a coveted prize. But we can fool people only for a time. The truth will eventually emerge. Our sin will find us somehow.
“But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your sin will find you out.” Numbers 32:23 ESV
