Lessons learned from Geese (with a length disclaimer per my wife)

One of the things I like about this time of year is the sound of geese flying in formation, headed home from a hard day at the office. Early in the morning or late in the day, just before dark, I hear them coming and look up to see where they are headed and how many are in the flock. As a redneck, the beauty of their flight should be interrupted only by the sound of my 12-gauge throwing lead at one of those bad boys in hopes of some good eatin. But, the Christian Redneck in me has come to realize a few things about these magnificent creatures.

We all know that geese fly in a V-formation but do you know why? Since you choose to care, I'll tell you. Because the lead bird cuts the air and makes flying easier for the birds behind him. It's pretty much like drafting and leads me to believe that Canadian Geese are NASCAR fans. Anyway, each bird benefits from the bird in front by drafting each other and being the beneficiary of the uplift created by their wings beating against the air. The end result is Canadian Geese can fly 71% farther in a day than by flying outside the formation or individually. When the leader gets tired, he or she falls back and let's someone else take over.

Why do geese honk? Good question and thank you for asking. They honk to encourage the goose in front to keep up the pace and for the leader to keep those wings flapping. It's amazing to hear them coming, not knowing from which direction they will come into view, each goose calling to the other, "You're doing great...keep up the good work...I'm right here with you!"

When one goose has to leave formation due to injury or sickness, two other geese follow this one goose to the ground. They stay with this goose until he or she dies or is well enough to take flight; flying as a group or joining another flock until they catch up with their own. Interestingly enough, as a side bar, geese mate for life.

Okay, so what does all this mean to me? First, let's look at the Bride of Christ called the Church. We need to follow our Church leader and encourage them along the way to let them know we are right there with them, that they're doing a great job, and to continue to listen to God's following. Wives and children should encourage their Husband/Father and let him know they are following him and to keep up the good work. More importantly, the Husband/Father should hear their encouragement as a call to continue to follow Christ and lead the family in their spiritual growth. Our small group leaders should also hear us "honking". We should encourage our leaders and remember that, at some point, God may call us to take the lead in some fashion. Whether leading a small group, ministering to youth groups, going into missions, or forming a community service team. Heck, we should "honk" to others just to encourage and lift them up.

Geese flying in formation is the same as being in community and, as Luke writes in Acts, we are to grow the Kingdom through the Church Body, which is "spirit led, people focused, and multiplication oriented" (thanks Pastor Bucy). "A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:12) Get it? God wants us, as Christ followers, to be in community and be there for each other, as well as others. By encouraging and spiritually drafting each other, we are more effective and able to go farther and realize God's purpose. Through His strength, we can do more. Flying alone is too hard and too tiring. I've been there. God also wants our flock to grow by adding new Believers. Ever seen a flock of Canadian Geese so big they had their own zip code? Awesome and LOUD!

When one of us falls because we are injured or sick, then two from the Body should stay with us until we are rested and well. What this means to me is if someone is enduring spiritual warfare, is physically sick, chooses to sin, or in some way strays from God, then that person should have accountability partners, small group members, or Church members around them. These people should protect the fallen. We don't need to try to go at it alone. Our accountability partners are there to pray for and encourage us, as well as make us face the sin(s) that are making us sick. When we are well enough, we all rejoin the Body and continue on our journey, strengthened by what God has done in our lives.

Let's look at this in the most simple of terms: God is the leader and He gives us the uplift that makes our lives easier (Through salvation, Grace, and our faith in Him). Because of Him, we can go farther ("I can do all things through God who strengthens me."). We lift our voices in praise to the ONE who leads in our lives....brings a new meaning to the bumper sticker, "Honk if you love Jesus", don't it?. If we decide to fly off on our own, we soon tire. If we are hurt or sick, God will provide those who will be with us until we are strong again.

Rather than shoot'em, maybe I should learn from'em. Hey, maybe I could teach them a thing or two....like how to use a toilet or clean up after themselves. If you've ever tried to have a picnic by the lake or walked through certain parking lots, you know what I mean. Nasty!