Theme: Independence in Christ is a lie.
This past Sunday, Pastor Dan laid out the case for the two sides of the perception of God. One side is negative, with God viewed as an unloving judge eager to find fault and condemn. The other sees God as a cosmic Santa Clause, swayed by selfish prayers and never judging anyone. Pastor Dan encouraged us to get to know who God is and that the truth is somewhere in the middle.
The same is true for the words contained in Romans 10:24, “And let us consider how we may spur (stir) one another on toward love and good deeds.” We all have heard the saying, “Stir the pot,” meaning to rile or bring someone to anger. The word stir has been used so often in that negative sense that many can not see it positively.
When you see geese heading south for the winter, flying along in a “V” formation, you might be interested in knowing that science has discovered why they fly that way. Research has revealed that as each bird flaps its wings, it uplifts the bird immediately behind it. By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock adds at least 71 percent greater flying range than if each bird flew independently.
Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go alone. It quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front. When the lead goose gets tired, he rotates back in the “V,” and another goose flies the point.
The geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. Finally, when a goose gets sick or is wounded by gunfire and falls out, two other geese fall out of the formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with the goose until it is either able to fly again or dead, and then they launch out on their own or with another formation to catch up with their group.
This example of individuals working as a team to stir each other toward excellent and appropriate behavior is seen in every species in God’s creation. Yet, we who have free will are the only ones who need reminding. The Holy Spirit teaches us in Romans 10 that because we have confidence in who we are in Christ, we should hold tightly to our Faith in Christ and stir each other to acts of love and good works….like the geese. And, again, like the geese, we need to be each other’s uplift through love and good works to fulfill God’s purpose for His whole Body. For His Glory!
Scripture: Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Prayer:
Lord, the world tells us all of our lives to be fiercely independent, to carve our way, and to rise above the pack. As usual, Lord, this is the opposite of what you want for us. Even Jesus did not conduct His ministry on earth alone, as He always did what His Father showed and directed Him to do. All creation is evidence of how You designed it and us to be Lord. Give us the discernment to see reality and not be clouded by the lies of the evil one. Make it real to us that we are truly strengthened when we strengthen our brethren, and that we are strengthened only in You. Amen
Comments