HUMMINGBIRD!

‘Hummingbird Photo’ by Muhammed Larson PxHere.

I watched hummingbirds fighting over the sugar water in our hummingbird feeder and wondered what in the world was the big deal.  They were dive bombing each other at what looked like 50 miles per hour, frantic to keep others away from the feeder which has more than enough sugar water to feed them all!  It seems to be the perfect metaphor for greed!  Granted, they instinctually fight for what they consider to be a limited supply of food.  Why would we do the same thing knowing that ‘ My God will meet all our needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus?’  Philippians4:19.                                                                         

These tiny hummers, some weighing 2 ounces, no more than a penny carry a powerful message.

First, their small size is inspirational.  Some species migrate 3000 miles from Canada to Southern Mexico.  Another flies 500 miles nonstop across the Gulf of Mexico.  And this with wings that beat 50 times a second and a heart that beats 1,260 times a minute!  If they can do these things, what can we do?

Second, they show us how pointless it is to fight over something when there is an ample supply for everyone!  Listen to the metaphor and the words of Jesus.  ‘Watch out!  Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.’  Luke 12:15. Watching the hummingbirds reminded me of the effects of greed on families regarding inheritance.  A family member dies and those left behind begin to fight over what they think is their fair share of their inheritance, often ending with some members of the family never speaking to one another again!!!  This is so sad and grieves the Holy Spirit.

I found a list of the ‘Top Ten Estate Battles of All Time’ online.  Here are a few of the names: Howard Hughes, James Brown, Prince, Michael Jackson, Jimmy Hendrix.  Some of these battles took years to resolve!  

That is why the scripture admonishes us to be reconciled.  Jesus said, ‘Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.’  Mathew 5:23-24.
He also said, ‘Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”  
Hebrews 13:5.

I believe the scriptures have the answer!!!

LOVE NEVER FAILS!

‘Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.’  1 Corinthians 13:3-7.

‘Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.’
1 Peter 4:8.

LOVE ONEANOTHER!

If you want to see these tiny birds fighting over a feeder, click on the following:
Hummingbird Battle in the Air’. Nature on PBS.