Of Vultures and Hummingbirds

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.  –Ephesians 4:22-24 

One pursuit that keeps me fascinated and intrigued all summer long is watching the hummingbirds that live around our house.  I keep two feeders; one by the carport and another hanging in a tree near the back fence.  Early morning and late evening are great times to sit and observe the hummingbirds chasing each other, bickering over the feeders, and putting on a show that outdoes any bird in the forest.  Honestly, I could watch them all day.

I have read that in the southwestern United States there are hummingbirds that have adapted to the hot arid climates common to those regions.  Also found there are vultures; they too have adapted well.  Vultures fly high above the ground in search of anything that has died so they might scavenge for food.  They thrive on the decaying carcasses of dead animals.  However, hummingbirds are always on the lookout for the colorful blossoms of desert plants.  They thrive on life, sweetness, and the beauty that is before them.  Someone has said that both birds always find exactly what they are looking for. 

People function in similar fashion; some are always looking for the dead and decaying remnants of the past and proceed to pick at it, while others are always looking for new life and the appeal of beauty and new growth.  Just like the vultures and humming birds, both approaches will yield a result.  Consider for a moment your own personal approach to life: Are you picking at the remains of what was, or are you seeking out the glory of what can be?  The high call of God in Christ Jesus is to put behind us the old sins of the past and put on Christ that we might walk with Him in the abundant life He has promised. 

 

If you are finding yourself always looking for the negative, reliving bad memories, and picking apart yourself and others, then now is the time to stop.  Claim the power of Christ to begin being that Spirit-led person of vibrant and victorious faith.  Now is the time, today is the day.  Get rid of those old rotten and cynical attitudes and begin to see life through the eyes of a heart changed by the power of the Lord Jesus.

So, which are you; vulture or hummingbird?  Think about it.  And if you’re not a hummingbird, well, there’s room for you on our team.  We’d be delighted to welcome you aboard.

 

New life is waiting.  A new perspective is available.  Why not start right now?