If you are a fan of old westerns and stories out of the wild, Wild West, chances are good that you watched actor Gene Barry portray the gunslinger and former lawman Bartholemew William Barclay “Bat” Masterson. The show ran in black and white from 1958-1961.
The real Bat Masterson lived from November 26, 1853 – October 25, 1921. He served as a U.S. Army scout, lawman, professional gambler, and journalist. He courted a solid friendship with President Theodore Roosevelt. Masterson’s fame grew from being the sheriff of Dodge City, Kansas, a name synonymous with the Wild West. Roosevelt would later appoint Masterson as a U.S. Marshall for the southern district of New York. Masterson also became well known for his prowess as a gambler. He was also known for dressing very dapperly and walking with a cane.
Masterson developed his inclination for gunfighting at an early age. Barely 22 years old, a fight broke out between Masterson and a soldier, Corporal Melvin A. King, over a woman named Mollie Brennan. A presumably stray bullet from King killed Brennan and another bullet shattered Masterson’s pelvis. Masterson put some rounds into King, killing him. Masterson’s cane was a lingering reminder of this first of many gunfights.
On this day in 1881, Masterson fought his last shootout. “Early in 1881, news that his younger brother, Jim, was in trouble back in Dodge City reached Masterson in Tombstone, Arizona. Jim’s dispute with a business partner and an employee, A.J. Peacock and Al Updegraff respectively, had led to an exchange of gunfire. Though no one had yet been hurt, Jim feared for his life. Masterson immediately took a train to Dodge City.
“When his train pulled into Dodge City on this morning in 1881, Masterson wasted no time. He quickly spotted Peacock and Updegraff and aggressively shouldered his way through the crowded street to confront them. “I have come over a thousand miles to settle this,” Masterson reportedly shouted. “I know you are heeled [armed]-now fight!” All three men immediately drew their guns. Masterson took cover behind the railway bed, while Peacock and Updegraff darted around the corner of the city jail. Several other men joined in the gunplay. One bullet meant for Masterson ricocheted and wounded a bystander. Updegraff took a bullet in his right lung.
“The mayor and sheriff arrived with shotguns to stop the battle when a brief lull settled over the scene. Updegraff and the wounded bystander were taken to the doctor and both eventually recovered. In fact, no one was mortally injured in the melee, and since the shootout had been fought fairly by the Dodge City standards of the day, no
serious charges were imposed against Masterson. He paid an $8 fine and took the train out of Dodge City that evening.”1
Forty years after this gunfight, Masterson died in October 1921. Did someone shoot him? Not even close. He died at his journalist’s desk from a heart attack. He was 68.
The portrayal of the days of the old west and the actual events are frighteningly accurate. As I researched information for this devotional, I was appalled by how quickly offense could be taken and how it rapidly escalated to violence or killing. It seems like the six-shooter was greased in most holsters, anxious to slide out quickly and to be wielded at the least bit of disagreement. Those who backed down from a fight were often viewed as cowards or weak.
This is NOT a time period when I would have wanted to live!
Handling differences and difficulties ought to look different for the Christian. 2 Timothy 2:24 tells the Christian, “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient…” Arguing and itching for a fight should be contrary to the nature of the Christian. One of the qualifications for a pastor is found in 1 Timothy 3:3. “Not given to wine, no striker…not a brawler…” I may be from Stryker but I cannot be a striker! Pastors aren’t supposed to be “duking it out” to settle conflicts.
I know that Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…” But, it would seem that the Scriptures try to steer the Christian towards meekness, gentleness, and a willingness to accept wrong rather than trying to vindicate it. In a world of boxing, MMA fighting, and WWE wrestling, it seems that our world wants to glamorize and glorify the person who beats and bloodies up another person in order to win.
Remember the instruction found in Ephesians 6:12. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Therefore, “…though we walk 
in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (4) (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds).” (2 Corinthians 10:3-4)
Does there ever come a time when we might have to get physical in defending ourselves or someone else? Certainly. Hopefully, though, we recognize that those situations are going to be few and far between. In fact, they may never come in our entire lifetime.
Today, desire peace and follow after it. Romans 12:18 says, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”
1https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/april-16/bat-mastersons-last-shootout
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