Protecting the Flock - Spiritual Nugget 66

I am amazed at how prolific seagulls can be. One morning as I was walking along the beach, I was stopped in my tracks by at least one hundred baby seagulls.
 
Like generals with watchful eyes, at least twenty-five adults flanked the babies as if to guard and protect them from any unwanted predators, including humans. Both the male and female seagulls alternated protecting and caring for their babies. I walked around them, careful not to invade their space or frighten them away.
 
For a moment, I reflected on these adult birds protecting those which belonged to them. I remembered that throughout Biblical history, God provided leaders to protect and guard those He loved. He endowed them with wisdom, strength, and skill.
 
More important, He taught them how to rely on Him. These leaders daily sought advice from Him, cautiously and wisely avoiding their own understanding of every situation. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
 
Because they trusted in His advice, they won battles against overwhelming odds—for example, Moses, Gideon, Joshua, and David. Joseph became CFO of an entire kingdom. Many enjoyed long and productive lives. Abraham-175 years, Joseph-110 years, Moses-120 years, Joshua-110 years. They had children in old age, (Abraham-100 became a father), and they were made incredibly prosperous and successful. Any leader who mistreated the people He loved, faced grave consequences from God.
 
In our current era, and for several years, there seems to be a missing piece in our story. We seem to have lost our way and allowed predators to rule our lives. Many of us have made our love for life and each other center around one day a year with flowers, candy, or imaginative, fantasy clothing. Imagine if God only designated one day a year to love and protect us?
 
Like the seagull parents, we have an opportunity to continuously protect and love others. Perhaps it’s time to approach this idea with a little more commitment to step outside our comfort zone and embrace others.
 
Character – Accept general responsibility for family leadership, protection, and provision. Reflect spiritual values in your home, at school, or work.
 
Avoid temptation to be dishonest – There are no secrets. Light will always expose darkness. Every action has consequences.
 
Self-Control – Your temper, your tongue, your body, and your pride can be loose cannons. Check your attitude! This may require major surgery.
 
Our leaders have been given the responsibility to watch over, guard, and protect these United States. Part of this commentary belongs to “we the people.” Biblically, we have been commanded to pray. (I Timothy 2:1)
 
As members of a community, we have the power to safeguard the areas where we live, and protect those we value. To say we are unable to contribute anything to protect others, including those who may be outside our sphere of loved ones, is weakening our purpose for existing.
 
Just as God has equipped seagulls to help their own, He has given us strength, faith in Him, and the power of love to enrich the lives of others.

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