Out Our Way: Bankrupt farmers and ranchers - Luke 10:25-37

  Out our way, we know ranching and farming are not 9 to 5 jobs. They are not profession for the weak or lazy but require constant attention. Now and then, we hear of a farmer or rancher who goes bankrupt. Often it is for reasons that simply cannot be helped — but now and then it is because the farmer or rancher got lazy.

Charlie and I rode fence because barbed wire, as strong as it is, can come loose. Cattle rubbing against the fence posts can loosen them and the wire goes slack. Over time, the post falls and the cattle wander off. Sometimes disease hits the herd and Charlie and I were often out checking the cattle for signs of sickness so we could get the cow to the vet or at least isolate her until we could deal with the condition. But some ranchers don’t bother to check the herd that often and the disease spreads. Farmers have told me of folks who put off the plowing and preparing the fields and often planted too late for a good crop. Such folks go bankrupt through their own failure to do the job.

Now it happens that a good many folks who may attend church are in many ways like the bankrupt farmers and ranchers. They are “all hat and no cattle,” as we say. That is, they “talk the talk but don’t walk the walk.” Christianity is not a religion, it is a lifestyle. You aren’t “saved” at some camp meeting — you are simply shown the way forward. You are accountable to keep moving.

Now consider the parable of the Good Samaritan in terms of the rancher and farmer. A big rancher is proud of his herds and pastures but never cares for them. A farmer is proud of his land and equipment but never bothers to maintain them. But a city slicker who can barely sit astride a kid’s pony goes out daily to check fence and the herd. He has a garden and though he doesn’t know much about agriculture, he digs up the soil to turn it, plants seed, waters and weeds it every night. Which of the three will be successful? Which of the three is a real rancher or farmer?     

As every one has heard, the “Law and the Prophets” — ie the Holy Scripture — is summed up in the statement “Love the Lord your God above all else and your neighbor as yourself.” This is the Gospel. How simple! Yet how many fail to follow it! 

Jesus saw many who claimed to be righteous and holy, but He told His disciples not to be fooled by appearances. “By their fruits you will know them” (Matthew 7:15-20). Anyone can buy a cowboy hat, but not all who wear them are cowboys. Anyone can attend a church, but not everyone in the pews is a disciple. Lazy farmers and ranchers go bankrupt and lose their spreads. Lazy Christians go spiritually bankrupt and lose their faith and salvation. 

I am no expert when it comes to farming or ranching, but I can certainly understand that those who neglect their fence, cattle and land will not prosper and will go bankrupt. I also understand that Christians who neglect God and neighbors are also heading for disaster.  

So it is that I must force myself daily to ride fence and see where I have some repair work to do on my soul. I ride to check “the herd” and look for signs of sin within me that is poisoning my spirit. I have to get down and do some hard weeding, pulling out selfishness, ego and judgmentalism. Lord, this “ranch/farm” I call my life is in real need of some hard work. Grant me the wisdom and energy to be the real deal and not an “all hat and no cattle” Christian every day and not just on Sunday. You commanded us to heed the parable of the Good Samaritan, and “go and do likewise.” Help us to do so, Lord. 

Be blessed and be a blessing!

Brother John

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The Rev. John Bruington is the retired pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Havre. He now lives in Colorado, but continues to write “Out Our Way.” He can be reached for comment or dialogue at [email protected].