Read Acts 1:14-22
“These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren” (v. 14).
Much can be learned from the practices of geese while in flight. For example, as each goose flaps its wings it creates a “lift” for the birds that follow. By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock achieves 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone. When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies to the point position. Geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. When a goose gets sick, wounded, or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help protect it. They stay with it until it dies or is able to fly again. Then they launch out with another formation or catch up with the flock.
If we Christians have the sense of a goose, we can also learn lessons from God’s creatures. Sharing a common purpose, we will gain encouragement from each other. Not trying to gain position at the detriment of others but working together, we will know a special camaraderie. Doing our fair share of the work, all will avoid the danger of burnout, and we will benefit from the combined resource of our gifts and talents. Standing by each other with our encouragement and assistance, we will all be able to accomplish more. It is no surprise that Paul saw this type of unity as a picture of a healthy body — the Church. (L Gayle Woods)
The children of God can learn from God’s great creation.
This devotional is the Wednesday, August 12, 2015 entry of Opening the Word.
