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     Looking to Charlie and Nick, the only ones with any previous turking hunting experience, Reuben asked, “What do you think?” about the spot he had selected for the hunt.

     “Looks good,” Charlie stated approvingly, “Now let’s see them decoys you've been bragging about?”

     “Ah yes, the decoys,” Reuben mused aloud, then went into his large canvas bag and pulled out two life-like plastic hens. 

     “Hey, not bad. You’re right, they're definitely an improvement from last year’s rendition."

     “Let me see that!” Alex exclaimed with curiosity while taking one from Reuben’s hand, then after looking it over declared, “Pretty impressive. You really have to get up close to tell the difference.”

     “Exactly, and once they're within shooting range their ours.” Reuben then exclaimed, “Lesson number two: Going after plastic females leaves you vulnerable to the enemy...and may just get you shot!”

     The guys all laughed heartily at that.

     “That was a good one Reuben,” Nick commended after recovering his composure.  "I know I can relate."

     “Ah, I read a similar comment on a turkey hunting video online and thought you boys would get a kick out of it."

     Jim then asked, “Does that really work?”

     “Like a charm Jimbo, like a charm,” Charlie assured him.    

     Reuben then reached into his bag again and pulled out another plastic turkey, this time a male in full strut.

     “Talk about a show off,” Alex mocked, and as an afterthought added, “Reuben, he sort of looks like you.”

     The comment led to another round of laughs. Charlie then said, “I thought he looked like Nick.”

     After studying the bird for a moment Reuben noted, “Na, I’m much more handsome than that.”

     “Me too,” Nick echoed, appreciating Reuben’s comeback.

     “Plastic, show offs, reminds me of my neighbors across the street,” Jim threw into the light-hearted banter.

     That drew an appreciative chuckle from Reuben, then looking to Alex he said, “He’s got a point.”

     “Hey, those are my people,” Alex chided trying his best to sound serious, but his face revealed the fact that he wasn't offended and saw the humorous side of it.

     Encouraged, Jim grabbed the male in full strut and went on, “Just goes to show that men aren’t the only ones attracted to plastic.  Women have been known to be attracted to plastic too, and deceived by it.”

     "Exactly," Alex exclaimed whole-heartedly.  "As the good book stays, He who is without sin, or fault for that matter, cast the first stone."

     "Alex's favorite verse," Reuben stated.

     The guys shook their heads up and down, confirming what Reuben said.

     "Well, that's because I've witnessed how often we see faults in others but seem oblivious to the fact that we are committing the same offense, even if it's packaged differently, or comes with a new twist...AND, how we can hold a standard for others that we don't hold for ourselves.  I hate that, and I hate it most when I find it in myself."    

     "AND?"  Reuben teased.  He barely ever saw Alex as worked up as he was now and credited it to the fact that this was one of his pet peeves, and he couldn't agree more. 

     Alex willingly took the bait, "AND...how we catetorize and blame a certain sect, and look to stone them instead of seeing how the fault ultimately lies in our fallen human nature.  We have all fallen short of the glory of God...AND, crucified our Lord."

     "It's true," Charlie agreed.  "God knows I've had my share of casting stones, AND being stoned."

     "We've all had our share of stonings, and crucifixions for that matter, from both sides of the fence," Nick grieved, "It adds a whole new dimension to being crucified with Christ."

     "And, partaking of his sufferings," Reuben interjected.

     "And, we can all thank Alex for being the instrument God would use to help us see the light..." Nick added.

     "And leaving us without a legitimate excuse," Jim cut in with a mixture of grievance and humor.  "Thanks Cowboy, I think."

     "You're welcome Shorty," Alex responded through a chuckle.  "Besides, we don't need excuses, we have Jesus as our Light.  He not only reveals, but also heals."    

     “But this handsome turk strutting like he owns the place isn't used to attract hens,” Reuben interjected, bringing their attention back to turkey hunting.  “We're going after the males and like much of the animal kingdom, male turkeys are territorial.  This show off provokes other males to act, which brings us to lesson number three:  "Allowing yourself to be provoked by others can put your life in jeopardy.  Beware of allowing anyone but the Lord to pull your strings.”

     Charlie let out an emphatic, "Amen!" then added, “On that note, Nick and I will head a bit further to the left. Call us on the radio if something comes up, and may the best turkey bag the first bird.”

     Charlie and Nick then headed out with the plastic male. Meanwhile, Reuben set up his hens, then he, Alex and Jim settled in.

     With Reuben's last lesson playing through his mind, Jim then asked, "So how do you know if it's God or the enemy pulling your strings?"

     After taking a moment to gather his thoughts Reuben said, "It isn't always apparent if God or the enemy is behind it, but with time it can become more apparent.  Although, we know that God is ultimately in control and will not give us more than we can bear but with each temptation will show us a way out.  So, even though the enemy may be up to no good in a sense God is always behind it and it is his voice that we can listen for, recognize, and follow.  

     One thing we can do is tell if we are off.  I like to ask myself who's calling, the love of God or the lusts of the flesh?  Sometimes we're too busy trying to uncover who's behind it that we don't pay attention to where we are at."

     Alex smiled approvingly.  He then added, "The book of James says God does not tempt anyone to sin, and the enemy may provide the bait to tempt us with but the temptation itself comes from desires not rooted in the heart of God.

     Even so, we do know that our Heavenly Father will allow us to be tempted, just like He allowed Jesus to be tempted of the enemy. Temptations can reveal our strengths and weaknesses, and give us the opportunity to defeat the enemy by turning from selfishness and self-reliance, as Jesus did.  Trying to defeat the enemy from a position other than "crucified with Christ" will meet with defeat.  We of ourselves are easy prey for him, but he's no competition for a life lived crucified with Christ; a life empowered from loving God with all, and loving our neighbors as ourselves.

     As Jesus said, 'Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.'"

Part II:  A Rebel Without a Cause