Out Our Way:

Mark 10:13-16

Out our way, it's time for the annual "chase Goliath with the fake reindeer antlers" again. As many of you know, my horse Goliath hates wearing the antlers as we try to do bell ringing for the Salvation Army, but every year I try to talk him into it.

Well, this year, as every other year, he refuses to put on the horns and help ring bells, but as in year's past he hasn't forgotten what the bell ringing is about. He knows that this is the primary fund-raising drive for the Salvation Army, and what they manage to receive will be used to feed, clothe and house the poor all year long. So while he won't wear the reindeer antlers, he has once again made the generous offer to share his oats. Of course, he understands most folks don't want the grain I buy him at the feed store, so what he has suggested is that I take half of what I would have spent on grain for him and put that money into the kettle. I confess I am proud of "Old Doc" for such a generous heart, but this year I realized that his generosity is contagious. Seems Babe, his equine girlfriend, has caught onto his example and asked me to do the same for her. I know that Goliath has set a good example even if he won't wear those reindeer horns.

It seems that setting a good example is also part of the Gospel message, for people do tend to be more impressed with actions than with words. Many of the supposed Christians who talk the talk but don't walk the walk have been of greater use to Satan than some of the most-hardened atheists and agnostics. Conversely, some of the least religious people have demonstrated more Christianity than many of us supposed church folk. More than once, I have been humbled by the love, generosity and Christ-like attitudes of people who surpass my own. I may have an ordination, Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry, but others far surpass me in living the Gospel, and thus proclaim it far more clearly than I have ever done.

Talking about the faith is not nearly as critical as living it; when I ring the bells for the Salvation Army I get to see a great many sermons preached to the wondering eyes of children and family members as mom or dad takes the time to stop, open their hearts and their wallets, and put a few dollars into the kettle. That is a sermon I cannot equal despite all my awards and degrees. Watching mom or dad put a few bucks in the kettle tells those children that other people matter - even strangers, even people of different colors and backgrounds. There is no hatred or prejudice or discrimination at the red kettle. Nobody cares what color that hungry, cold, or homeless person is. At the red kettle all are equal. All are God's beloved ones. What a great Christmas gift to give a child! The gift of seeing God's love in action!

Setting a good example is key to the Christian faith as Jesus taught it. In the text quoted above, some of the disciples thought Jesus was too important to be bothered with the "unimportant" people of the world, especially the children. They tried to keep the kids away from Jesus because they thought children too unimportant to matter. Big mistake! Wow! Did Jesus chew them out! There is no such thing as "unimportant" in God's eyes .

Now, this Friday is called "Black Friday" because it is the busiest shopping day of the year, the day when most companies hope the profits will put them in "the black."  Nothing wrong with that, but there can be a more sinister side to "Black Friday" as well, for it is also a day when crowds can become mobs and shoppers begin to push and shove and see each other as obstacles instead of fellow human beings. Although, thankfully, it is not that common, crowds on Back Friday have become mobs, losing their humanity in their selfishness. How sad! But fortunately in contrast to Black Friday is the red kettle.

Consider the example folks make for their neighbors and their kids when they take the time to stop and make a donation. They demonstrate through their actions that the "least of these" are important too. They lead by example and encourage others to do the same .

And consider the result: Not only are the hungry fed, the freezing warmed and the homeless sheltered, but others are reminded that there are those who are hurting that they can help, and that even the smallest amount can make a difference. Yup, out our way, we care. It's the cowboy way ... it's the Montana way ... it's the Havre way - and it is the Lord's way. What greater gift can we offer Jesus on his birthday than that?

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John Bruington and Goliath serve the Lord at First Presbyterian Church in Havre, Montana. Their book, "Out Our Way:  Theology Under Saddle," is available at Amazon.com.