Hatfields & McCoys & Pride

 

Hatfield (Left) - McCoy (Right)

 



One thing in this life that's the hardest to deal with and the most inescapable sin, is pride. The famous family feud between the Hatfield's and McCoys is a testament to this. Though it was not only pride that brought these two family's to harm each other, but false accusing and hate, that originate from pride, had a part to play. As I watched the mini History Channel series portraying these two families it became apparent that there wasn't going to be a happy ending. A film like this tend to be avoided by many because of it's outcome. This film had great history in it for sure, but also some of the most straightforward lessons a Christian could learn. I came away searching my own heart and I don't do that very often after watching a film.

Out of all the 4 hours of the film there was no forgiveness. Everything was done out of hate and bitterness for the other. When we don't forgive it tends to be hard to forget. The pain eats at our hearts till we don't even recognize ourselves and the reason for living our lives becomes clouded. If sin is not dealt with it will not go away. It will get worse. Both families lost their daughter's sons and uncles. Do you see how far the world can take a person? These men were willing to put their families in harm's way to get revenge, not forgiveness. For the believer we have no reason not to forgive. The Lord can forgive the worst sin you could imagine. He does it with no hesitation. So if we want to strive to be more like Him, then it must show through us, especially in this way.

Ephesians 4:31-32 "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

So lets examine both sides of the feud. First I'll start with Randolph McCoy. He saved Hatfield's life in the Civil War and then Hatfield left the army that night in the dark. This was the beginning of McCoys rage against Hatfield.
McCoy didn't used to be that hating man. He loved his family and took care of those around him, but it's just like pride to slip in one sin and change a man forever. McCoy put His faith in God and always prayed that God would help him defeat the Hatfield's and end the blood bath. This was his mistake. He never forgave and he never forgot. He expected God to bless him because he thought he was doing something good in God's eyes. God doesn't bless us when sin abounds inside our hearts. When our actions reflect our own personal desires how can we expect God to go along with us and encourage that kind of behaviour? McCoy's house was burnt down with one daughter and son killed. He cursed God for what had happened and asked a question that really hit me hard. He asked, "How can this be your will, God? The Lord had to take away everything from this man to make him realize his wrong ways. Even then he never saw the light of truth in his life. He died by burning his house down with him and all his family pictures. You see how far sin will take man if it's not dealt with right away? Mr. McCoy asked God to help him win the fight for his family, but in reality all he wanted was revenge and revenge has no place in God's heart. So how is it with our hearts? We may not go as far as McCoy, but when we don't forgive we can become just as hard headed and expect everyone including God to "work" for us when in reality we should be servants for the Lord and a help to those around us. If we walk in His way, we are automatically walking in His will.

Now lets take a look at the Hatfield's side of the story. There isn't much difference between the two families except McCoy had faith and Hatfield wouldn't even hear the name God without shooting someone down. Hatfield had a problem with peace. All through out his life he could never find it. I guess you could see why. He thought that ending the lives of his rivals would bring him peace and he would not rest in till the McCoys were dead. Interestingly enough, it didn't work out the way he wanted it to. God had different plans for his life. After the Hatfield's had fled deeper in the mountains from the bounty hunters the McCoys set on them, Mr. Hatfield finally realized that this wasn't the way to find peace. He wrote a letter to the whole family and read it to them by the river. He decided to end the conflict and not risk anymore of his family to the horrible feud. Not long after McCoy died by accidentally setting himself on fire. Thus ending the long battle for land, pride, and family. Hatfield ended up asking for forgiveness and accepting the Lord as his Saviour before he died. He found true peace that he was looking for. Where do we look for peace when we need it most? Do we think that our own endeavors can provide us with true peace? True peace comes from God and God only. Men like Hatfield are perfect examples of men who look for peace here on earth and are willing to go as far as to kill to get such peace. Peace is letting God handle our problems. Peace is knowing that God will take care of you and your needs. Hatfield realized this, but it was really too late. His life was all but gone. Let's not wait until the end of our lives to look for God's peace. You will find life to be full of depression and sorrow.

"I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid." John 14:27

McCoy's and Hatfield's feud is an example of how the world deals with problems and sin. Really the only thing they were famous for was killing each other. It even says so on the West Virginia sign between the properties of both families. So as Christians what kind of example do we leave when we go through trials? Do we try and remedy them on our own, or let God work in our lives? God is more than ready to help you, so don't let pride get in the way and take God's hand. You will find true peace.

Jesse