Wild Turkeys

John Miller
09/02/22 - Windstream Mail

R E F L E C T I O N S Thoughts on nature and the Christian faith - 8/29/22 ____________________________________________________________________ "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. " - Heb. 13:17 There are several wild turkeys that make our property their home and Jo and I love to watch them each spring as they nurture and raise their young until they are able to make their own way in the world in late summer and early fall. The mothers are the epitome of devotion. As for the fathers, they are long gone. Child rearing in the world of the turkey is solely the job of the mothers. As these young poults busied themselves scouring the forest floor for food, their mother constantly watched over them for any sign of danger. That is what leaders do, they watch over those who are in their charge. God knew his family, his church, would need leadership and so he gifted some to exercise this responsibility of watching over and nourishing. The trouble arises when some assume this task without being gifted to do so, or others who are gifted in this area shirk their duty. Churches go where they are led, and if no one leads the flock will scatter. Those of us who do not have this gift are instructed to submit. But submission to those who may have the title but lack the qualifications is no virtue. In my own life, I seek out men and women who know God, who evidence the fruit of the Spirit, and who reflect Jesus in their own lives. And then I submit and follow them for they have much to teach and I have much to learn. Seek out those in your church who are gifted to lead and who obviously walk with Jesus and then submit and follow. All such men and women have received a great gift and will have to give an account for how they use it. These poults fed until they were full and then knew enough to follow their mother when she led them to safety. They knew who to follow. So should we. - John