December 28,1997
Dear Eld. David:
Last Halloween the Landlord’s wife, who is aesthetically talented, placed some traditional Halloween decorations, in front of our apartment such as bales of hay, corn stalks, and the obligatory pumpkins. She also created two scare crows, caricatures of a man and woman wearing old clothes, stuffed with hay, with straw hats, and arms outstretched.
Our ancestors would erect similar figures in their corn fields
to scar away the predators. I have also seen shinny, aluminium
pie plates stuck on the end of sticks intended to accomplish the
same purpose. Of course, any self-respecting crow, seeing these
silly creatures, would shake his head in admiration over the stupidity
of the human species and continue feasting on the delicious corn,
oblivious of the scare tactics being employed against him.
Guard dogs are utilized to chase away burglars, road side reflectors
caution the unwary motorist of danger, police cars frighten away
criminals, and an ostentatiously worn wedding ring discourages
the would be suitor.
Conversely, perfume encourage the desirable suitor, bird seed
nourish birds on a wintry afternoon, and flashing neon signs along
the road, announce food, lodging, beer, and groceries.
Are there scare crows in church? Are there flashing neon signs
to attract the worshiper? What signals are predominate in our
churches to either attract or repel or are both types of signals
present?
I have seen churches filled to capacity with scare crows. (Referencing
to my thesaurus, I can’t find an alternative for the word
scare crow, therefore, please forgive the repetitive use of this
term.) They glare and glower, scowl and curl the lip, or turn
away with studied indifference. Perhaps they plaster a smile upon
their faces, “How nice to see you,” they burble, then
move away with a shadow of indifference at the corner of the mouth.
Or the glitter of dress or personality, the shine of importance
and preeminence discourages close encounters of any kind.
But, on occasion, like the sun after the rain, or a neon light
illumines the way to rest and safety. The radiance of a truly
dedicated Christian brightens the path attracting, alluring, drawing,
or guiding the tired traveler toward Christ.
Perhaps it is time to tare down the scare crows, those caricatures
of Christians, toss them aside that the Lord’s vineyard may
be an attractive place enticing the unwary feet of the sinner
into its glorious furrows where grow only a plenteous harvest
of souls.
Let us, you and I, strive to remove the stumbling blocks in the
path of sinners and erect the triumphant cross of Christ rather
then the scare crow of indifference or doubt. Christ’s field
is white already to harvest. The crop is rich and plenteous. The
reapers are ready to gather it into the heavenly barns and the
wedding feast is set, for behold the bridegroom cometh.
Would that we all were neon signs showing the way rather then
scare crows drawing off the precious heritage of the Lord. Only
when we look into the mirror of Christ’s love may we discern
our true nature and character. Are people repelled by association
with us? Are we driving away rather then drawing? Are we shining
as search lights upon the clouds of a dark night signaling to
the sinner the way to salvation?
My dear brother, how is it with your soul? How goes it with you
and your Lord? Are you growing daily in the things of your Savior?
Your God yearns over you with a tenderness little realized by
sin-hardened, cynical hearts. You and I are sentinels in Christ’s
field signalling or repelling but only as we associate with the
good shepherd may we discern our true character. The fog of night
is upon us, the dew of early morning drops from our brows, can
we endure until the rising of the Sun though the night be long
and weary? The glorious orb is about to break over the eastern
sky, will it find us at our posts, arms outstretched in mercy
and gentle entreaty or with furrowed brow and scowling face?
Be encouraged, brother, God loves you. Your brethren have not
forgotten you. Strive to master your self, your inclinations to
sin, and struggle manfully to conquer every tendency to sin that
God may account you worthy of everlasting life.
May the Lord bless you, your brother in Christ.
Allen A. Benson