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THE TURKEY SYNDROME
It’s a good time of the year NOT to be a turkey. (Of course, the ones in the freezer sections of the grocery and mega-chain stores have already met their demise.)
You probably know that a turkey is a large gallinaceous bird with fan-shaped tail; widely domesticated for food. [Dictionary definition!]
But did you know that the dictionary also defines turkey as a person who does something thoughtless or annoying?
I can successfully argue that I am not a large gallinaceous bird. But I can’t say with assured honesty that the second definition hasn’t flashed above my head more times than I would like to admit.
Christians aren’t immune from thoughtless or annoying behaviors. We ought to be but we’re not. I have to admit that I’ve often muttered “turkey” under my breath as I’ve watched a strutting Christian make a fool of himself.
Jesus had to deal with a lot of turkey behavior from His disciples and others who followed Him. Just two examples will suffice.
John 10:24 “Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.”
John 14:9: “Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?”
A reading of the New Testament Epistles helps us understand that this malady has been with us for centuries.
As I write this little Minute Message I am asking the Lord to help me minimize the turkey episodes of my life. I really don’t want to do thoughtless and annoying things. (I am fortunate that the Lord has put people in my life to help me know when the turkey spirit is rising up in me: my wife, my kids, good friends!)
When you enjoy your sumptuous Thanksgiving turkey dinner just remember the strutting and the loud gobbling didn’t help that turkey one bit. He was destined for the oven.
By the way, do you know what a wattle is? I’ve got one! From now on, whenever I look in the mirror I’ll remember what happened to that other turkey!
I pray the Lord blesses you today. Warmly, in His love and life, Roland Scroggins © 2007
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