Let's Not Bury Our Heads In The Sand!

Contrary to common belief, the ostrich does not bury its head in the sand to ignore danger. An ostrich can run at speeds of 40 miles per hour or more. Their kick is powerful, and they peck aggressively with their beak. As the largest and fastest bird in the world, it doesn’t need to bury its head.

We usually think of the phrase, “Burying your head in the sand,” as being descriptive of someone who wants to ignore his shortcomings or those of others. The prophet Nathan did not allow King David to forget his sins of adultery and murder (2 Samuel 12:1-14). It took a brave man to confront a king about his errors. Yet Nathan was obedient to God and wise in his approach.

The apostle Paul urged the early church to confront sin. He said, “If a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1).

We are to confront our brothers and sisters in Christ about their sin with the view of restoring them to fellowship with God. We must also recognize that we are not immune to the same temptations.

Of course, we shouldn’t go looking for sin in the lives of other Christians, but neither should we bury our head in the sand when sin needs to be confronted.

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets