The Country Preacher

[MSFixR]

An old country preacher had a teenage son, and it was time that the boy should give some thought to choosing a profession. Like many young men, the boy didn't really know what he wanted to do, and he didn't seem concerned about it.
One day, while the boy was at school, his father decided to try an experiment. He went into the boy's room and placed four objects on his study table: A bible, a silver dollar, a bottle of whiskey, and a girlie magazine.
"I'll just hide behind the door," the old preacher said to himself. "When he comes home from school this afternoon, I'll see which object he picks up. If it's the bible, he's going to be a preacher like me and what a blessing that would be! If he picks up the dollar, he's going to be a business man, and that would be okay, too. But if he picks up the bottle, he's going to be a no-good drunkard, and Lord, what a shame that would be. And worst of all, if he picks up that magazine, he's going to be a skirt-chasing bum."
The old man waited anxiously, and soon heard his son's foot-steps as he entered the house whistling and headed for his room.
The boy tossed his books on the bed, and as he turned to leave the room he spotted the objects on the table. With his curiosity peaked, he walked over to the table and inspected the four items. Finally, he picked up the Bible and placed it under his arm. He picked up the silver dollar and dropped it into his pocket. He uncorked the bottle and took a swig while he admired the centerfold.
"Lord have mercy," the old preacher disgustedly whispered. "He's gonna run for Congress."