Out Our Way: All hat ... - Matthew 7:21-23

Out our way we know the difference between a "cowboy hat" and a "cowboy's hat." When I bought my headgear from the store, it was a "cowboy hat," referring to the look and style. After a few years of sun, wind, dust, rain, snow, and more than a few times being landed on after one of my numerous "unscheduled flights" from Doc's back, it became a "cowboy's hat." It bore my history of working cattle up on the Tiger Ridge and elsewhere.

Now, as it happens, a friend of mine owned a ranch wear store down in Great Falls and every year when the fair came along with the big rodeo, there would be some folks who wanted to look like cowboys, but quickly demonstrated they were not. One was a man who came in and wanted to buy a pair of chaps - and wanted to know where the dressing room was so he could try them on. The clerk had to explain to him that chaps were worn over the jeans and not instead of. Another great story was the dude who bought fancy spurs with large rowels and then walked around town in them. Hilarity broke out when he stepped into one of the local bars and while, trying to impress the barmaid, somehow got the rowels intersected, tripped, and fell on his rear. The phrase "All hat and no cattle" took on a new meaning that day!

Well, I wear chaps and I have worn spurs, and my hat has plenty of stains, twists and even a hole or two from long outdoor exposure to the weather, but watch me ride and work cows and it is obvious that I am still pretty much a tenderfoot. I may look the part - indeed, I once had an artist ask to take my picture and use it for a painting of cowboys he was doing - but there is a reason I always ride "drag" at roundup time. But at least I get to ride roundup!

I had a cousin who turned away from Christianity because she was burned by one of those "Snake Oil Preachers" who have turned the sanctuary into an auditorium, the congregation into an audience, and the role of the pastor into "the star of the show" and "CEO of a huge corporation." This particular TV preacher still brags about being a millionaire, having mansions and private jets as a sign of God's favor and are necessary "perks" lest he be "too tired to save your soul." It didn't take long before she realized the man was just a con artist, but unfortunately, she did not realize he was not a disciple. Sadly, before she died, she let me know she now believed all preachers were also con artists and all churches were just scams. She didn't realize he was an "all-hat christian." Though he claimed to serve Jesus, it seems he was - and still is - actually working for "the other side." 

I am a lousy cowboy, but the hat's wear and tear from long hours in the saddle show that as poor a cowhand as I am, I am still, nevertheless, a cowboy. I got tossed and stomped over the years, but I always got back up in the saddle. I am a lousy disciple, but the wear and tear on my life and spirit show that I have tried to serve God and neighbor. When the Day comes, may the Lord see "the hat" and know, despite my obvious failings, I always rode for His brand.

Be blessed and be a blessing.

Brother John