"Letters 2 "

Dearly Loved Friends,

FLY LIKE A GOOSE! What? WHY do that?

Among the chief blessings God has graciously given to both of us is that of living out in the country. Also, we are thankful to be living in a migratory path frequented by a wonderful variety of birds, and moreover we are blessed by a magnificent setting in which we are aware of the subtle signs of nature as the seasons “change their clothes” into various and beautiful colors and hues.
Geese flying overhead in their stately formations is one of the signs of autumn that we look forward to experiencing each year.

Geese clearly are something special, and lead us to some thought-provoking spiritual analogies. For instance, did you know that the “honking” made by geese is for a specific purpose? We didn’t either until we learned recently that geese honk for a truly special reason! They honk to encourage those up front in their flying “V” formation to keep up their speed. Who would have thought that all that honking we hear is a“support system” cheering on their leaders? It helps us think that we all can use a little cheering and support in our lives! And more importantly, who do you know that needs a bit of honking encouragement from you?

It has been discovered by scientists that the “V” formation is a really important one. The reason geese fly that way is because as each goose flaps its wings, an uplift is produced for the bird behind. Amazingly, this formation adds at least a 71 percent greater flying range for the gaggle than if each goose flew on its
own. What can this tell us as Christians? All of us will do well to lovingly be aware of the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s truly important that we pray earnestly for each other, asking God to give all of us the help we need from Him.
Thus, we can lovingly encourage and lift up each other in our journey through life – traveling on the “uplift thrust” from one another.

Another valuable thing to realize is that when a goose falls “out of formation,” and is lagging behind – going it alone – usually it quickly gets back into formation – using again the much needed lifting power provided by a bird in front. Applying this concept to ourselves, we should strongly determine to actively stay “in formation” – in close fellowship with other members of the Body
of Christ. Being with godly people definitely can be beneficial to us, and can also be of value to them.

The other side of this concept is that we certainly would do well to avoid pending time unnecessarily with people who are blatantly heading in an ungodly direction. Application of this concept includes not watching the movies or television programs that can influence and affect us negatively. Thus we will be helping ourselves at the same time we are pleasing God!

And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.
(1 John 3:22)

Geese have demanding jobs and they get tired – as do people. It’s useful to realize that when the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the “V” formation “wing,” and another goose comes up to fly “point!” How sensible! Demanding jobs and duties for humans are just that – demanding! We all need help
with them. Geese have been taught by God to take turns without having “conniptions” about who is going to be the “BIG GOOSE” up front. They express NO jealousy – NO vanity – NO ego! How refreshingly wonderful! What a great example of unselfish and helpful cooperation!

Here’s the most amazing thing of all, which is almost like a “character trait” concerning geese: When a goose gets sick or is wounded by gunshot, and so falls out of the formation, two nearby geese will follow it down to the ground to lend a “helping hand” and to protect their fellow goose! They unselfishly stay
with that fallen goose until either it is able to fly again or it dies. Only then will they launch out to join a passing formation. How incredibly giving, serving and unselfish! Such behavior can almost be called “loving” since godly human love has sometimes been defined as “outgoing concern for others!” If only we were
filled with such concern, common sense, and that which could almost be called compassion! If only we would staunchly stand by each other in times of need! Truly what a difference it would make in the lives of all of us! Let’s all determine to ask ourselves regularly these questions: “Who do I know who has fallen out of the formation for whatever reason?” “Who needs some help from a friend or two – now?”

Oh, if only we individually would learn to FLY LIKE A GOOSE!


Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12

The Value of a Friend

Two are better than one,
Because they have a good reward for their labor,
For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls,
For he has no one to help him up.
Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm;
But how can one be warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.
And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

May God help you to be a humble, serving and compassionate
encourager.


Aquila and Priscilla

"Aquila & Priscilla" is a monthly column on Christian living, produced by the mutual efforts of long-time Church of God members, James and Martha Morrison - a.k.a. - Aquila and Priscilla.