"Honk - Lessons From Geese"

"HONK! - LESSONS FROM GEESE"

INTRODUCTION

1. The Scriptures often point to nature for illustration and wisdom...

a. Solomon directed the sluggard to consider the ant -

b. Jesus said to look at the birds, consider the lilies -

2. Found on the Internet are facts and lessons we can learn from geese...

a.. That can be applied to our relationships with one another in the church

[For example, consider our first lesson from geese...]

I. GEESE PRACTICE SYNERGY

A. FACT...

1. As each goose flaps its wings it creates an "uplift" for the birds that follow

2. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone

B. LESSON...

1. People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are

traveling on the thrust of one another

2. This is the principle of synergy: two or more agents working together to produce a result not obtainable by any of the

agents independently (e.g., nitrogen + glycerin)

3. Which explains the Biblical practice of two by two - ; Lk

10:1; ; cf.

[Do we appreciate the wisdom of "flocking together"? Closely related is lesson two...]

II. GEESE BENEFIT FROM MUTUAL EDIFICATION

A. FACT...

1. When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone

2. It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it

B. LESSON...

1. If we have as much sense as a goose we stay in formation with those headed where we want to go -

2. We are willing to accept their help and give our help to others.

3. Strong Christians appreciate the value of mutual edification

- ;

[Mutual edification occurs within the context of a local church. Whereas a group of geese are called either a skein (inflight) or gaggle

(on ground), a group of Christians is called a church. Next...]

III. GEESE SHARE THE BURDEN

A. FACT...

1. When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies to the point position

2. Similar to pace lining in bicycling

B. LESSON...

1. It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership -

2. As with geese, people are interdependent on each other’s skills, capabilities and unique arrangements of gifts, talents or resources.

3. As members of the body of Christ, we are to do our part - Ep

4:16

[Too often, brethren "burn out" because other brethren won’t "help out".

How about you? Are you doing your part in the work of the local church?

On to lesson four...]

IV. GEESE ENCOURAGE THOSE WHO LEAD

A. FACT...

1. The geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed

2. It is unlikely to be complaining that they are going the wrong way

B. LESSON...

1. We need to make sure honking is encouraging

2. In groups where there is encouragement the production is much greater.

3. The power of encouragement (to stand by one’s heart or core values and encourage the heart and core of others) is the quality of honking we seek.

4. Such should be purpose of our words (honking), to build others up - ;

[To give a bumper sticker another meaning: "Honk, if you love Jesus" (and His brethren). Lastly...]

V. GEESE CARE FOR ONE ANOTHER

A. FACT...

1. When a goose gets sick, wounded, or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it

2. They stay with it until it dies or is able to fly again 3. Then, they launch out with another formation or catch up with the flock

B. LESSON...

1. If we have as much sense as geese, we will stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong -

2. Another benefit in working together, a duty of spiritual brethren. ;

CONCLUSION

1. By instinct, God gave geese the wisdom to succeed in their flight and migration

2. By His Word, and by His Creation, God gives us wisdom to succeed in our spiritual journey!