Happy Trails

One of the unexpected consequences I have encountered in writing on a weekly basis is that sometimes I learn something new about myself.

This is one of those times.

I am a big fan of the Western genre.

I am particularly fond of old Westerns.

Now don’t get me wrong, I know very well that these are works of fiction.

I also know that not everyone appreciates them to the same degree as I do.

Westerns, especially the old ones, tend to subscribe to the same predictable formula.

In the old Westerns, the villain was usually a man of wealth who wanted more than he already had.

He often employed hired guns to help him acquire even more often at the expense of the innocent.

The hero, on the other hand, was quite different.

He wore a white hat so that he was easily recognizable.

He was a man of pristine character who never did anything wrong.

And just when all seemed lost, the hero would ride in and set everything right.

Once this was accomplished, the hero would ride off into the sunset and the story would end just the way I knew it would from the outset.

There is a phrase about "art imitating life" and after thinking about it, I have discovered more than a few parallels to my faith that helps me understand just why I enjoy the old Westerns so much.

The real "villain" we face in this world is Satan who has much at his disposal.

So much, that he even tempted Jesus with it.

Matthew 4:9 (NET) - Again, the devil took him to a high place and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their grandeur. And he said to Him, "I will give you all these things if you throw yourself to the ground and worship me."

Greed is a motivating factor for evil in the old Westerns.

Greed continues to play a major role in the ills of the world.

Scripture warns us of its dangers.

1 Timothy 6:10 (NET) - For the love of money is the root of all evils. Some people in reaching for it have strayed from the faith and stabbed themselves with many pains.

Scripture also warns us of the "hired guns" we will face.

Ephesians 6:12 (NET) - For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.

What about "the hero" who wears the "white hat"?

Scripture tells us that Jesus, our deliverer, also wore white clothing.

He did so at the Transfiguration.

Matthew 17:2 (NET) - And He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became white as light.

Jesus, unlike even the best of human beings, truly was of pristine character.

Hebrews 4:15 (NET) - For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin.

And just when all seemed lost for a fallen world, Jesus came and set things right as only He could.

1 John 4:10 (NET) - In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

And after He put things right, He "rode off into the sunset" figuratively speaking, of course.

Mark 16:19 (NET) - After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.

So that there is absolutely no misunderstanding, I want to make things absolutely clear.

I know that what God reveals in scripture is factual and my faith rests solidly on these great truths.

I would do nothing to demean or belittle it.

I also know that the old Westerns are fictional stories and nothing more.

But after thinking about this, I now have a better understanding into why I enjoy the old Westerns as much as I do.

I now have a much better insight into my own character.

So, in the words of Roy Rogers, "Happy trails to you, ‘til we meet again."


Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, October 19, 2012.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I’ll be back here on Friday, October 26, 2012.
Schedule subject to change.