What We Can Learn From Finches

What We Can Learn From Finches

A new friend blessed me with a bird feeder last week. She lives on the second floor and didn't want to create havoc for the neighbor down below. So she offered it to me. At first I didn't want to be bothered with sunflower shells and possibly other evidence of birds on my patio, but I felt like I should give it a try. I had already seen the birds on her deck and noticed there were birds I had never seen in my entire life.

The most frequent visitors to my bird feeder are house finches. The name is rather plain, but these birds have brilliant red heads, throats and breasts. They are even red under their brown striped wings. I have been watching them now and have observed several behaviors which I thought might be instructive to those of us who are out there in the work force.

1. Sometimes a bigger bird drives a smaller bird away. This reminds me that we should not compare ourselves with others. There will always be someone better at something than we are and vice-versa. The important thing is that we are allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our steps into those works he has created for us to do (Ephesians 2:10).

“We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise” (2 Corinthians 10:12).

2. Sometimes a larger bird comes but the smaller bird stays. This reminds me that we should stand firm in what we believe the Lord is calling us to do.

“Therefore put on the whole armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13).

3. Birds duel in the air. This reminds me that we are going to have conflicts with people no matter where we are, and as Christians we are called to represent Christ as he leads in our lives.

“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).

4. Birds feed at the feeder. Sometimes they hang out for extended periods of time. The birds have learned where there is a plentiful supply of what they need and they come every day, morning and evening. Sometimes they are still feeding in the middle of the day. This reminds me that we should feed often at the table of the Lord and spend as much time as we can in God's word.

Jesus answered. “It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God'” (Matthew 4:4).

5. Birds feed on the ground. The feeder is filled with seeds but many are on the ground as well. This reminds me that we should remain open to new directions the Lord may be leading us in.

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).

6. Birds sit on the perch. Sometimes they appear to just be resting. This reminds me that God wants us to rest in Him.

“”Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10).

7. Birds hold onto the sides of the feeder with their feet. This way they seem to have a better grip of things. When they look around as they take the shell off the sunflower seeds and gobble up what's inside, they remind me of Gideon's men ( Judges 7). Ten thousand men remained after 22 thousand fearful men had left. God told Gideon to take the remaining 10,000 to the water to drink. The 300 who lapped like a dog would be the ones he would give Gideon to win the battle. The others who got down on their knees he sent home.

This reminds me of how we should always live our lives, as those 300 who lapped like a dog and as my little finches who grab the feeder with their feet and keep looking around. They are alert and vigilant, always on the lookout for danger. And so should we be. Not that we should be fearful. Quite the contrary. But rather, we should watch and pray and be spiritually alert at all times.

Be encouraged, brothers and sisters, you are mighty men and women of God!