When You Act like
a Turkey
Charles North

A man hunting turkeys in upstate New York recently got more than he bargained for. This serious hunter, dressed in camouflage and giving off turkey calls, was apparently quite good at imitating a turkey. He was so good that two coyotes out hunting, took him for the real thing. The hunter became the hunted. The man was bitten a few times, but he recovered after receiving some stitches and rabies shots.

This story reminds me of some Christians. I'm talking about the consistency between what we say and what we do. There are people who drink at every social gathering and regularly make fools of themselves. Then, they get offended when someone suggests they have an alcohol problem. Some women wear provocative, skimpy outfits and then become enraged when men flirt with them. Others spend all week telling sexist jokes, being racist, and using foul language, and they wonder why people seem surprised to learn they are Christians.

The lesson is this: When you act like a turkey, don't be surprised by the results. Unbelievers don't demand perfection from us, but they expect authenticity. The world is not impressed with self-righteousness, but we will be taken seriously if we are sincere in our Christian walk . ". . .study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing." (I Thessalonians 4:11-12). ?

A mother had told her son not to go swimming while visiting a friend's house. However, when he came home his mother noticed that his hair and bathing suit were wet. "Johnnie," his mother scolded "I told you not to go swimming." Johnnie responded, "I couldn't help it Mom. The water looked so good." Then, his mother asked him, "But why did you take your swimming suit with you?" Johnnie said, "In case I was tempted."

Do you ever do that? Do you ever know that you might be tempted and prepare for your fall? If so, Satan has already won. He won the battle before the temptation ever occurred. Instead of preparing ourselves for the fall, wouldn't it make more sense to prepare ourselves for victory?

In regards to Satan, Peter tells us to "Be sober and be on the alert (1 Peter 5:8a)." In verse 19, Peter says, "Resist him being firm in the faith." The next time temptation comes your way, be alert, no looking for the fall, but by being prepared for the victory!

Directory Photos
We will be taking photos for the Orange Street Directory in the annex after the Sunday AM services today. If you do not have a current photo in the directory, please come to annex after the Sunday morning worship and have your photo made.

2006 Duty List
The proposed 2006 monthly duty schedule is posted on the foyer today for your approval. Please check the roster to see if there are changes that need to be made.

Where will God be this week in relationship to our lives? Will we cherish that association we had on Sunday to the point that it will fortify us through the week; that we will be friendly and amiable to all those with whom we associate. Will we be at peace with God and ourselves? Will we be the city set on the hill or the light in the darkness? See Matthew 5:15-16.