LEADERS RIDE FOR THE BRAND: Philippians 1:27: “Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ.” Over the past few months, I have read several western novels by Louis L’Amour, and my rural and family background make them interesting and personal. L’Amour wrote many books about cowhands who rode for the brand of his employer and faced the hardships of life on the western frontier. The term, “riding for the brand,” was an expression of loyalty and commitment to the brand of the ranch for which he rode. It was a sign of the highest order and calling and represented the values and integrity of the home ranch and cattle to be protected and cared for. A man was not judged by his past but his work and loyalty to do his job and leave the past behind.

In the book, Point Man, men are challenged to remember that they have been bought with a price and the blood of Jesus. The brand of Jesus is the brand for which they ride. Easter is our remembrance of this eternal event. What is this brand? It can be called the “Two-One-Two” brand. To the Christian man, this is to signify the two nails in His hands, one spear in His side, and two more nails in His feet. Riding for His brand is the highest calling and responsibility we have as Christian men. It’s like riding for the King Ranch because we are riding for the King of Kings. We are not judged by our past but by how we ride and lead on the range of life we walk. Just as the cowhands took seriously the role they had riding for the brand of the animals they were given to protect and lead to green pastures and water, we are to ride for the “Two-One-Two” brand to protect those whom God has given us to lead. The days of riding for the brand on the range were tough and hard, and it is no different for us today, but the eternal significance is much greater. Ride hard and don’t look back.