Don't Mess With...

For the benefit of you who don’t know me, I am a Texan and I am proud to be one of the chosen few who call Texas home. We are a very friendly state and invite all visitors, people like you, to come visit us and enjoy the wide variety of landscape and cities and all manner of things, sights and sounds and fun things to do or experience.

One of the things we are proud of is our network of highways, streets and roads throughout the state. You can’t drive anywhere in Texas without eventually seeing a yellow sign that reads, “Don’t Mess With Texas”. These signs were part of a campaign against the litter that people were throwing out of their cars instead of throwing away. Over time, it has taken on a broader meaning as well. It now includes respecting our state, our people and our ways. We are a proud people and we have a rich history. We will never forget we were once an independent country, the Republic of Texas, from 1836 to 1845, when we annexed the United States. Being the courteous people we are, we have always allowed them to think it was the other way around.

We pretty much believe in solving our own problems ourselves without a lot of outside help. When we do need help, we call upon the law. It may come in the form of a modern police officer or it could be a local sheriff in a small town. Either way, we know we always have a backup when the problems get too large.

As Christians, we also have help whenever we need it. That helps comes in the form of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Instead of a badge on His chest, he wears a hole in His side, the reminder of a Roman lance that pierced Him. He doesn’t pack a pair of .45’s slung around His hips; He has holes in His hands, holes that were put there by Romans who drove nails through them to hang Him on the cross. He doesn’t need cowboy boots; He has holes in His feet, where nails pierced to hold Him on that cross. He is our ultimate weapon and He is always there for us.

As you drive through your life, whether your paths are major highways or just small county roads, watch out for the one who wants to litter your way with evil and destruction. When you encounter the enemy and he trying to litter your way, then it is time to call on the Lawman who is always there. You have your own sign to plant along the road. It is not a rectangular sign on a post with words; it is a rugged cross, stained with the blood of an innocent victim. The message to the devil is clear: “Don’t Mess With Me, devil, because I have the law on my side.”