Out Our Way: The chuckle-head maverick

Out our way, one of the realities we face is that calves stray and get lost. Charlie and I often find them in the most unexpected places — wandering about far from the herd and without a clue as to where they are. Granted, open range grazing is no longer the norm and most cattle are raised within fenced pastures so they can’t wander too far from the herd — but remember that we still have mountain lions roaming the area and a barbed wire fence isn’t going to keep them out. Coyotes roam the area as well and a pack could easily bring down a stray calf. There is safety in numbers and a lone calf is an easy target. But it’s not only young calves that stray from the herd and get themselves lost.

One thing I noticed working up on the Tiger Ridge with Charlie was all the different cattle trails that criss-cross the land. More than once I have seen small groups of cattle break off from the main herd and take a different trail going in a different direction. You have to wonder why that lead cow decided to go her own way — and why so many others followed her instead of staying with the herd. We do find dead cows out there now and then — and we always worry, especially when moving the herd off the summer pasture to the winter’s feeding ground. Not only is the grass lush and the water kept flowing, but we can bring in hay and feed in even the worst Alberta Clipper season. If some “maverick” has strayed away, and worse, taken other chuckle heads with her; they will be stranded and perhaps die from lack of feed and water. (You may recall how “Junior” — that young bull — not only went AWOL during the fall roundup one year, but managed to take seven heifers with him.) It’s rare — but it happens.

Humanity is always having to deal with chuckle-headed mavericks who want to cut their own trail even when they have no idea where they are going — and worse, they often manage to delude others into following them. Personal charisma and charm are often the only “credentials” for leadership necessary to persuade the foolish to follow the maverick leader. This is true in politics, in culture wars, and sadly, in the Church. Most people are aware that the term “Church” is not limited to any particular congregation or denomination. The Church of Jesus Christ is a tree with many branches. But most people are also aware that while founded by Christ, the Church in all its variety is led by sinful humans. Romans 3: 12

Even the Apostle Paul, who wrote most of the New Testament, admitted he was a sinner — and indeed the worst of all sinners. 1 Timothy 1: 15 — 16.

Now that gives us a hint how to know if any man or woman who claims to be a Christian and more, sets him/herself up as a leader; is truly sent by God — or just another chuckle-headed maverick leading the gullible down the wrong trail. Humility. The woman or man of God who recognizes he or she is a sinner like everyone else is going to walk humbly before God and others. The blowhard “Medicine Show” preachers that flaunt themselves and substitute charisma and showmanship for solid theology are chuckle-headed mavericks who exalt themselves and lead many astray. Jesus warned us to beware of them. Matthew 7:21- 23

Then there are the actions of the person. Even in these confusing days, most of us know the difference between good and evil. The chuckle-headed maverick will refute that and, as Paul, quoting Isaiah reminded us “call evil good and good evil, call darkness light and light darkness, say that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter.” (Isaiah 5:20/1 Timothy 4:1-4) Sound familiar?

Chuckle-headed mavericks are rare in cattle herds — but sadly, not so rare in human society, and that includes the Church. There are rotten branches on the tree of life and you will know them by the rotten fruit they produce. There is that famous story of the rabbi who was asked to recite the whole teachings of the Bible while standing on one foot. “Easily,” said the rabbi. “Standing on one foot he said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and strength; and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Then putting both feet on the ground he said, “The rest of Holy Scripture is the commentary.”

The chuckle-headed maverick neither teaches nor practices this. By their fruits you will know them. (Matthew 7:16). Steer — pun intended — clear!

Be blessed and be a blessing!

Brother John (sharing the #1 Sinner spot with Paul)

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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].