I said, "In my case, it hides a good 30 pounds."

Then I gave a serious answer: the robe reminds people that the preacher is just a stand - in. The pulpit I preach from belongs to Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit alone can do the loving and saving work of the Gospel.

I am just a servant, and I wear a servant's robe.

But a Baptist minister can give you equally good reasons why he does not wear a robe. So let's face it: we have different churches and different approaches to worship because - people are different!

Which means - thank God! - there is a church somewhere for everyone.

I love the 14th chapter of Romans.

When I was a teenager, I kept that chapter marked in my Bible with a picture of Bishop I. Sheen.

Remember him?

I was the only Baptist kid in Kemp Texas with a picture of a Catholic bishop in my Bible.

Bishop Sheen had a TV program - "Life Is Worth Living."

I never missed it.

I looked to it the way some kids looked forward to "Superman."

Bishop Sheen was a wonderful speaker - full of grace and wit. He touched me with the beauty and the power of the Gospel.

I think it was his inspiration that first pushed me toward ministry.

And isn't that funny?

He was about as Catholic as can be, and I was a Baptist kid on the way to becoming a Methodist.

I always listened to Bishop Sheen across differences in theology and opinion. But I loved him no less.

I believe the Holy Spirit calls all Christians to a fellowship that transcends the differences.

The love that binds us is greater than the doctrines that divide.

That's what Romans 14 is all about.

Read it - and listen to that Spirit which calls the whole Church together, even across the dividing lines.

We can even keep our differences - giving thanks for the variety - as long as we affirm our oneness in Christ our Lord.

As the good Bishop used to say at the end of every telecast, "Bye now - and God love you."

And as I always say - be in church somewhere this Sunday.

(Our Sunday services: Eastern Hills at 9:00--St. Matthew at 11:00.)