Captain Critical sat on one of the many wooden benches that lined Destination Dock. Today the sun was shining and the seas were calm. There was a pleasant breeze blowing from the east; making it ideal for sailing. As was usual during these conditions, many would gather in line on these benches to see if they could get aboard the exclusive Yonder Glory; a ship manned by the well renowned Captain Savior. Only those whom He selected from were allowed to board His ship.

Many different types of people sat upon the various benches surrounding the dock. Each bench had a designated sign identifying what people groups sat upon each bench. Captain Critical took survey of these.

Closest to him was a bench labeled “Immoral”. The party that sat here was composed of questionable individuals. The few of these that spoke did so with simple sentences; of which the majority of the words used were explicitly profane. The rest were too busy indulging themselves with one another. Captain Critical smiled to himself. Captain Savior would never allow these people on Yonder Glory. And that would mean more spots available on board, thus increasing the odds that he would get to sail.

The next bench over was labeled “Addiction”. Here no one spoke at all. All had dead faces whose eyes reflected little to no signs of life. Captain critical thought to himself, “They are so consumed with various substances and habits; they may never even notice when the ship arrives.” He chuckled, for again his chances had increased.

There was a bench that sat across from Captain Critical. It had a sign that read “Misguided”. Here the crowd was far more acceptable than any others that he had so far observed. But as he listened to there conversation, Captain Critical actually laughed out loud. For, everyone sitting on the “Misguided” bench was arguing among themselves about what they believed the Yonder Glory to be. One said it was a small boat that could only fit one person, and that Captain Savior would never let anyone on; with the exception of the man speaking of course. Others said there was no boat and all one had to do was swim the Immense Ocean and he would arrive at what was the true Yonder Glory.  And still others claimed that there was in fact a boat, and it could and would fit everyone from the dock on board. Captain Critical, after having his laugh, considered talking to the people from this bench and correcting their false notions. After all, they seemed to be nice enough. But then he quickly reasoned this idea away thinking, “All the decent ones will figure it out on their own. Besides, the less that know the more room there will be for me on the Yonder Glory.”

The final bench in sight of Captain Critical was one with a rusty sign that read “Impoverished”. The people at this bench were by far the most numerous group present. Many wore rags and even a few were naked. Captain Critical knew these people to be favored by Captain Savior. But that was Savior’s concern and not his. Captain Critical just hoped that on the Yonder Glory he would not have to deal or associate with these people.

Captain Critical looked at the sign hanging over his bench with pride. In letters painted red, white and blue it read “American Church”. He knew that this bench was the greatest spot around. The people in the crowd were sure to have the best rooms on the Yonder Glory. It was obvious that Captain Savior would be partial to such an elegant and civilized group. So they told themselves daily.

Suddenly, there came a group of people with signs around their necks that said “Authentic Convert”. They went around emphatically telling everyone that Yonder Glory was putting in soon at Salvation Bay just a few miles down the coast. When no one waiting at the benches listened, they went into the town and began bringing joyous people with them who had apparently never heard of Captain Savior or His marvelous ship.

One of the “Authentic Converts” stopped in front of Captain Critical and began to beg him saying, “I see that you are a Captain just as Savior is; though one of much lesser degree for your ship and abilities could never match His. For He alone can sail across the Immense Ocean in Yonder Glory.” “Awe, why thank you,” replied Captain Critical. “But,” continued Authentic Convert, “you must know, being a Captain, that Yonder Glory is not putting in at this dock. Captain Savior only receives those who wait for Him at Salvation Bay. Please, lead the people on these benches to Salvation Bay, for they will not listen to us.” At this point, Captain Critical got very angry saying, “How dare you! I am a Captain of the American Church! Even if it is true that Captain Savior expects us to walk all the way down to Salvation Bay, He would never set sail without us! Now, good bye and good day!” Authentic Convert tried to further reason with Captain Critical, but to no avail. Eventually he had to leave with his fellow Authentic Converts, for Yonder Glory had finally put in at Salvation Bay.

Captain Critical watched the sun set over the sea. He went up to the Dock Master to implore him. “Do you know when the Yonder Glory is going to put in?” “I think you missed it this afternoon,” replied the Dock Master. “What? That cannot be true! Captain Savior would never leave without the great American Church.” “Well, that’s all I know,” continued the Dock Master. “Perhaps, you and your crowd better find shelter. There’s supposed to be a terrible storm coming this way tonight.” “What,” screamed Captain Critical. “And give up my spot in line ?!”