Cowboys, Lassos and Old Fashioned Christian Practices

I heard a great story this past week. In rural Southern Oregon, a man stole a woman’s bike at a local Wal-Mart. He rode the stolen property across the store’s large parking lot in hopes of getting away. A local cowboy heard the woman yell, “He stole my bike!” The cowboy chased the two-wheeled thief down and retrieved the property.

The cowboy chased the thief down in an old fashioned way. The cowboy got on his horse, road the bicyclist down and lassoed him. He tied the thief up, returned the bike to the woman and waited for the police. True story.

That cowboy’s story illustrates how seemingly old practices can come in very handy. When chasing a bicyclist on foot won’t work, a horse and lasso will. Old practices have very practical uses today.

The same is true in the Christian life. Very old Christian practices help in navigating very real problems today. Prayer helps us stay calm when under fire. The study of scripture readies us with answers to life’s potential questions. Worship gives us perspective when faced with distractions. Old practices have practical uses today.

In his letter to the church in Colossae, the Apostle Paul writes, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” In other words, internalize the time tested message of Jesus through teachings and instructions and even music. That old message will influence how you live your day-to-day life today.

As you go through the coming week, participate in the activities Christians have done since the beginning. Pray, study, love, serve, worship and minister. As you do, you will find that very old practices have very practical applications today. The traditions of the faith can be even more helpful than a horse and lasso!