Read
“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?”
Matthew 7:3
Reflect
We can learn a lot from birds.
If you’ve ever driven on a road trip you’ve undoubtedly seen buzzards circling in the sky over their next meal. It’s not unusual to see one or more of these birds picking at the carcass of a dead animal in the middle of or on the side of the road. Buzzards are all about death because they are always in search of dead or crippled animals, casualties of life.
Growing up, I was always fascinated by another bird. My grandmother always had bright red feeders hanging from her back porch, each one filled with equally bright red sugar water. These feeders attracted the most beautiful hummingbirds, which are always looking for a sweet drink.
Both of these birds tend to find what they’re looking for — dead meat or sweet nectar. It’s not that different from people. We also tend to find what we’re looking for. Those who are looking for dead issues, the casualties of life and the decadent find them through a critical spirit. Those who are looking for the living, the lovely and the sweet find them through the Holy Spirit.
You can also find “buzzards” and “hummingbirds” in relationships — in church, in marriage, in business. One person circles in criticism; the other visits in love. One is a scavenger and the other is lovely and intriguing.
Make sure that as you go through each day that you don’t allow an overly critical spirit to infect any situation. Stay close to the Lord and allow the correct spirit — the Holy Spirit — to dwell in the middle your life.
Reflection copyright © 2022 Doug DeBolt and Charles Fulton.
