Lessons Learned From A Flock Of Geese

Scientists have discovered the secret of the great strength of the Canadian geese in their longs flights. Some flocks fly from the Hudson Bay area to the Midwest at a powerful 70 miles per hour, nonstop. Co-operating as a flock in a V-shaped formation (see video here and here), wingtip to wingtip, not one goose misses a stroke. They are able to fly a 70% longer range than when a solitary goose tries to make it alone. The lead goose cuts a swath through the air resistance and creates a helping uplift for the two birds behind him. Each bird rotates as the lead. In this manner, the tired birds fan out the edges of the “V” for a rest and the rested ones go toward the point of the “V” to the lead of the flock.

Scientists believe that the incessant honking of the geese, is a way the stronger ones lend encouragement to the weaker ones. If a goose becomes exhausted or ill and has to drop out of the flight, a stronger member of the flock will follow the weak one to his resting place and stay with him until he is well enough to fly again.

This is a valuable lesson for us as Christians. Just as geese can go farther and accomplish more by flying as a “family,” so we as a community of fellow believers can go farther doing the Lord’s work than we ever could alone. If we “fly” in the “family” (the church), we will never fly alone. Another member will support us and our efforts will help other members of the church (cf. Acts 2:44-46; Acts 4:31-35; 2 Corinthians 8-9).

The lesson of the geese adds strength to the fact that if we help others, we help ourselves. And in the serving and giving of ourselves, we ourselves are lifted up and helped along life’s way. On one occasion, Jesus’ disciples were arguing over which one of them would be the greatest in the kingdom. Jesus’ reply was short and certain. He told them that one’s care of others is the measure of one’s greatness (Matthew 10:40-42; Matthew 25:34-40; Luke 9:48; Romans 15:24-33; Hebrews 6:10).

Beloved, let’s not attempt to “fly” the Christian life alone, but allow other Christians to help us all get to the same goal — heaven (Colossians 1:1-14; 1 Thessalonians 1; Hebrews 10:23-25; 1 Peter 1:3-4).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets