LESSONS WE CAN LEARN FROM A HONKING GOOSE (Ken Ellis)

Again, our thoughts tonight are from my good friend, Ken Ellis! Continued prayers requested for my mission to Vietnam, now in Week # 2!

I continue to marvel at God's ingenuity in planning the most intricate details of His creation, especially the interactions of a flock of geese while in flight.  It's particularly surprising to me how much a flock of geese has in common with the family of God.

Lesson 1:  I never tire of seeing a flock of geese flying in a tight "V" formation.  But what's with all that honking that's going on?  It's not like they are on I-75 during goose rush hour and are honking to get other geese to move out of the way.  Well, it seems those honking in the back of the formation are encouraging the lead goose to keep up its speed.

Each of us should be "honkers" for one another, encouraging each other to maintain a steady pace towards our goal of living the Christian life with our eyes set on eternity.

Lesson 2:  When the lead goose tires of flying up front, it drops back into formation, and another goose flies to the point position.

One person can't possibly care for the physical and spiritual needs of an entire  congregation.  Each of us has unique talents and abilities and must step up sometimes as leaders to support those who have heavy, tiring burdens to bear.

Lesson 3:  As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the geese that follow.  By flying in the "V" formation, the flock provides 71% more total flying range than if a goose were flying alone.

When we work together as a body of Christians, we can often achieve a goal much faster and easier than when one of us works alone.  Working together builds trust and unites us in doing God's work on earth.  Teamwork pays dividends.

Lesson 4:  When a goose falls out of formation, it experiences the drag and resistance of flying alone.  It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the birds in front.

Being in the company of fellow Christians provides an uplifting, positive, spiritual experience, a resistance to temptation and a feeling of belonging with those with whom we share common beliefs. 

Lesson 5:  If a goose gets sick or is shot and falls to the ground, two geese leave the formation and stay with the goose until it either dies or gets well.  They will then join another passing flock.

As members of God's family, we have a responsibility to take care of each other during difficult times and nourish each other back to physical or spiritual health. 

In conclusion, we are each made in God's own image, yet what we might consider to be a lesser creation can teach us valuable lessons about God's divine wisdom for His family.

(Thoughts for this article were taken from website "www.agiftofinspiration.com.")

God bless,
Steve
Luke 18:1

www.hawleybooks.com

E-mail me at steve@hawleyboooks.com