 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
| 1. You will never grow higher than your headship. 2. Where your head goes, the body also follows. 3. Where and what you invest demostrates not only where your treasure is, but the depth of your investment. 4. We grow larger by growing smaller. 1. Geese fly in a "V" formation: As each bird flaps its wings it creates an "uplift" for the bird immediately following. By flying in a "V" formation the whole flock has at least a 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. a. As a result of flying in a "V" formation, the goose out front creates a drft or "lift" for all others. We are to uplift and encourage others. "Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers" (Acts 15:32) "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:11) "And we urge you brothers, warn those who are unruly, comfort the low in spirit, help the weak, be patient with everyone." (1 Thessalonians 5:14) b. Just as there is a 71% increase in geese flying distance when the geese fly in formation; when we travel in formation we will get there more efficiently and quicker with less energy expended. "For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office (do not have the same function or use): So we being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. (Romans 12:4-5) c. Paul uses the concept of the human body to teach how Christians should live and work together. Just as the parts of the body function under the direction of the brain, so Christians are to work together under the command and authority of Jesus Christ. God gives us gifts so we can build up His chruch. To use them effectively, we must * realize that all gifts and abilities come from God; * know who we are and what we do best; * dedicate our gifts to God's service and not to our personal sucess; * be willing to utilize our gifts wholeheartedly, not holding anything back from God. 2. When a goose flies out of formation, it suddenly feels the "drag" and "resistance" of trying to go it alone. It quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front of it. "And the Lord God said, it is not good that man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him." (Genesis 2:18) "They helped everyone his neighbour; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage (Isaiah 41:6) a. In aviation terms "lift" and "drag" are known to every pilot. When drag exceeds lift you fall. When lift exceeds drag you soar. Encouragement is paramount in a group. b. Everyone needs more lift than drag. "but encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." (Hebrews 3:13) 3. When the lead goose gets tired he will fall back in the formation and another goose will take his place. a. Shared servanthood is the key to sucess for the goose, individual, family, church, and business. b. No goose is tireless. c. There is always another duck that can replace you in rank. 4. The geese flying in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. a. Our honking is encouraging and contagious. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." (Hebrews 12:1) 5. When a goose goes down either from sickness, disease or injury, two other geese drop out of formation with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with him until he eithers dies or is strong enough to fly again. They will then either rejoin the original group or join another group, but they never remain alone. No believer should ever think he or she is totally independent and dosen't need help from others, and no one should feel excused from the task of helping others. The body of Christ (the church) functions only when the members work together for the common good. "Brothers, if someone is caught in misconduct or a sin of any sort, you who are spiritual-who are responsive-should set him right and restore and reinstate him, without any sense of superiority and with all gentleness, keeping an attentive eye on yourself, lest you should be tempted also. (Galatians 6:1) We can learn much from the geese; *always uplift and encourage one another *stand together *strengthen one another *work together for the good of all * the greatness of fellowship WE NEED EACH OTHER, TRULY WE CAN NEVER WALK ALONE!!! |
| HOME |
| BACK |
| NEXT |