Out Our Way: ID, Please!

Matthew 7:15

Out our way, as I have written many times before, a cowboy's hat is his ID and history. Now most folks are respectable enough to have two hats - a respectable one for being in public; and the worn out one for when riding fences and working the herd. It is the second hat that tells the tale of the wearer. THAT is the real Cowboy hat ... the wearer's true ID.

The other day I was in my work clothes as I ran into the store - and a guy called out "Nice hat, cowboy!" I responded, "Yeah it's been around for a piece." He laughed and said, " I know. It sort of says it all," Even here in the city, there are a few folks who know what ID is the ID. "Much appreciated, Pard", I said out loud ... and inwardly ole "Eeyore", of the Winnie the Pooh tales, said, "Thanks for noticing".

Of course everyone carries some sort of ID to tell some of their story if we are willing to pay attention. Not all are as obvious as a cowboy's work hat, but they are there. Jesus said, " By their fruits you will know them" - and that is the ID I hope folk notice more than my worn and torn cowboy hat. I take pride in having worked the herds in the Bear Paws as my old hat testifies; but what my years as a follower? Folks don't look at the hat - but at the acts.

"By their fruits you will know them". Is my "fruit" wholesome and nourishing, or bitter and toxic? I confess it is sometimes the latter. Is that to be my ID?

It is not my hat - nor my Geneva preacher robe - my diplomas - Doctoral hood, or titles that tells the stranger who I am. It is my actions. Who I was is meaningless to the stranger ... who I am is what counts. You can read my history and identity as a cowhand working cattle on the "Tiger Ridge" and elsewhere in my hat ... but you can read much more in my actions. As a cowhand, the hat is my ID. As a follower of Yeshua (Jesus), my daily actions tell you who I really am.

I wear my old range hat and don't think much about it, but some folks notice and assume I was a cowhand at one time...and they are correct. BUT...far more folks notice my attitude, behavior, and attitude towards others. Do they assume I am a disciple of the LORD from this? And are they correct in the LORD'S eyes?

Someone suggested to me that the true disciple hears the words "One of you shall betray me" and immediately fears he might be the culprit. Humility , like the worn out cowboy hat of a "dust eater" is the ID that counts. Here am I,Lord, use me! Let me become the cowboy hat that declares, besides the obvious fact I am only a "dust eater", I am still part of the Boss's outfit and crew.

Be blessed and be a blessing!

The old dust eater - 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].