My grandfather said he would sell her for $4.00. She was a 3 or 4 day old, half Angus-half Holstein, heifer calf. I paid $2.00 for half, and my brother, Randy paid the other $2.00. We were to feed and care for her until she got big enough to sell. She became a pet and followed us around like a puppy. I named her Betsy. Yes, I know my youngest daughter's name is Betsi, but you noticed the names are spelled differently.
When kids at school found out that Betsi's dad had a cow one time named Betsy, you can imagine the grief she received. I told Betsi I did not name her after a cow and the names were not spelled the same.
Betsy, the cow, was not only a cow she was my friend. She would follow me around just like my dog, Poochy. As a matter of fact when she got big enough to sell, I talked Randy in to keeping her. After Randy lost interest in Betsy, I bought Randy's half. She started producing calves. I would sell the steer calves and keep the heifer calves. From Betsy, I acquired a nice little herd of mixed beef cattle.
In 1975, I had met the girl of my dreams, Debbie. I had ask her to marry me,and she said yes. I wanted to purchase her an engagement ring. I went to the bank where I had borrowed money since I was nine years old, they turned me down for the amount I was asking. They wanted me to buy a cheaper ring. I had already seen the ring I wanted to give my beloved, so left wondering how I was going to get the money for the ring. It occurred to me on the way home that I had 16 head of cattle, which I had plan to sell soon anyway.
Selling Betsy's calves was never a problem, but the reality that she was going to be sold was sad. She had been my friend, and if you can love cows, I guess I loved her. Betsy had done what cows do. They have calves for the purpose of farmers selling them. She fulfilled her purpose better than any cow. She was not just a cow. She was Betsy. (Do you think subconsciously, I did name my daughter after a cow?)
My $2.00 investment from years ago was now going to enable me to put a ring on the finger of a girl I loved. This girl has not only been my wife for thirty five years, but also my friend. Betsy had a purpose, and she fulfilled it.
Did you know we were bought with a price?(1 Cor.6:20 and 1Cor.7:23) What was that price? It was not cheap. Christ died for us while we were yet sinners.(Rom. 5:8) The price was the death of the Son of God.
When we accept Jesus as our saviour, confess Him before men, repent and are buried with Him in baptism, we put on Christ. In doing so, we become Christians. What do we then do as Christians? We live like Christ and glorify God in our body. Read the latter part of 1Cor. 6:20. It says, "therefore glorify God in your body." Read Matt. 5:14-16. Christ calls his disciples,"the light of the world". What do we do with that light? We let it shine before men, so they can see our good works (The works that Christians do) and glorify your Father in heaven. What does that mean? Christ showed us how to live, the Holy Spirit inspired men to write how God wants us to live,and in living like Christ we give people in the world a view of God.
How important is it? Do you think everyone in your community reads God's word before they go to bed at night? I'll agree with you.The answer is no. Are children in homes today taught who God is, and that he is a God of love and mercy? Not many.
So if people are not reading God's word, not teaching their children about Him, and never attend a church service, how are they ever going to know about God? The answer (read slowly), when our main purpose as Christians is to do the works that glorify our Father in heaven. Well Rick, you might say, that is a works based approach. No, it is not. Remember, the price has been paid not by our works but by Christ's death.
Betsy, the cow, did what cows do. In doing so, she fulfilled a purpose for me. If I am a Christian, I do what a Christian does. Betsy didn't just wear the name cow. She did the main thing a cow does. If she didn't have the calves I would never had the money for the ring. Again, she was a very good cow by what she did.
Many in this country wear the name Christian. Do we do what Christians do? Read Gal. 5:22. These are some of the qualities, if we exhibit them in our lives every day, will show God living in us and bring glory to Him.
If I show love to everyone, even my enemies, will I be seen as different? What about living a life of joy, peace, and goodness? Will my co-workers and friends notice? I show long suffering to someone that is having a problem along with kindness and gentleness, in doing so, will I make a difference in their life? Here's a hard one. What would they say if we showed self control in any situation? Don't forget this one, if I forgive as God forgives, will they be encouraged?
God has given each of His children a talent. As His children, He wants us to use our talents to manifest who He is to the world. Do you wear the name? Do your peers see you doing what the name suggest?
Remember cows do what cows do, baseball players do what baseball players do, you fill in...........does what........... do, and Christians do what Christians do.
If I wake up every morning in this fallen world trusting in God and passionately living the Christian life, my light will shine, they will see my good works, and in doing so, I will glorify my Father in heaven.
No matter how bad it gets. Let us all brighten someones life today.
Please send comments to me at rhepler52@gmail.com
Thanks,
Rick Hepler
