Birds of a Feather

Each spring, we have an invasion of birds wanting to build their nest on our porch steps.

They have favorite places and return each year to an overhang on one side of our house, and on the overhang to the back steps. They seem to seek out the crook in the downspouts because their nest is then semi sheltered there.

A couple of the nests remained all through the winter, and yesterday we viewed a sparrow inspecting the nest for possible reuse.

Sparrows have a life span from 4 to 7 years, so this bird could be from previous years.

A Google search informed me that they often will use the same nest if it is in good condition, with some minor alterations. Usually they are happy with the old habitant.

It is always fun to observe the mother bird resting on her nest and it seems all too soon, she is flying in all directions gathering food for her young ones. Their tiny beaks open wide as she approaches.

Before long, these same teeny little babies will fly away and be on their own.

I am reminded of one of our Bible teachers who drew a tiny bird with open mouth on the black board. He remarked that many Christians are like these baby birds. Mouths open wide to accept any teaching, or doctrine placed there by their trusting leaders. Our teacher went on to say, those baby birds will accept BB shot if it is placed in their mouth, and it might even kill them or make them very sick.

When we as Christians listen to our Pastor or a preacher on TV or even read a book, or a magazine article, we must be watchful and be on our guard to match up what we are being taught with the Holy Scripture.

I can remember years ago, hearing my Pastor relay a teaching he had heard at a conference. Something in my spirit went screech, like fingernails on a blackboard.

It had something to do with the Pastor being our authority and we were to obey the Pastor even if we felt he was wrong.

Now I must confess that I have a streak of rebellion, but this did not set too well with me.

My Bible tells me to be led of the Spirit and to obey God. If a teaching causes you discomfort, it is very possible that you need to place it on the shelf and not accept it for the time being. Later when you examine it again, you may discover that it was indeed false teaching and you will discard it all together.

Also I might suggest that you not return to the book, TV program, or even the church where you heard this error. :-)