FLOCK OF BIRDS
Noelle McDermott
Today's Scripture: “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot!” Revelation 3:15, ESV
Theme: Apathy, or half-hearted faith, is most disrespectful.
POWER LINES
Having spent many hours in a car growing up, my younger self often gazed outside the car window and searched for something interesting for my wandering mind to look at. My eyes often landed on flocks of birds sitting on power lines. Besides wondering if they could get electrocuted by sitting there, my greatest question was, “Why do birds form large groups like that?”
I tend to not make a second glance at a lone bird or tune out a single bird’s singing in the morning. Yet when they come together, I stop for a moment and marvel at flocks of birds moving in unison or gathering in one place. There appears to be some “greater” purpose or mission when they gather.
ON THE BACK-BURNER
Though those birds are likely together just to find more food or have safety in numbers, I was still struck by a comparison we can make between birds and the church. Hear me out: wouldn’t a group of believers impact our community much more than just one person’s efforts? You may be wondering, “But can’t God use just one individual to make a difference? Like my pastor?” Absolutely, but most believers aren’t “going it alone,” nor does God only use Christians we perceive as “influential.”
It’s easy to be lulled into the belief that our individual spiritual lives won’t make much of a difference. Therefore, we convince ourselves that it’s okay if we keep Jesus on the backburner. Will the way I live out my faith even matter at all? Jesus already saved me, so I’m good. And someone else will probably take care of my community’s needs.
TRANSFORMATION
This week’s Scripture (from Revelation 3) is Jesus’ letter, told to and through the apostle John to the church of Laodicea, who were described as “lukewarm.” They believed in Jesus but didn’t truly live for Him. Note that Jesus does not congratulate them for “meeting the minimum,” for He is not satisfied with our spiritual complacency. Instead of pursuing God wholeheartedly or living in our culture fully, we settle for a middle ground and think that we’ve done enough—without committing too much, of course. However, Scripture couldn’t say it any clearer: we can’t engage in our faith half-heartedly and think it’s enough. We must allow the Holy Spirit to enter our lives and transform them entirely, and this transformation will affect how we see our relationships, our trials, our community, and God Himself.
Make It Personal: Have you fallen into the belief that listening to a weekend message, or picking up your Bible every once in a while, is “enough” to be a Christian? God does not invite you to spiritual apathy nor, on the opposite spectrum, to “perform” enough good deeds to secure your standing with Him. He simply wants you to start walking with Him and to truly learn who He always has been and who He always will be.
Pray: God, I’m sorry for when I dismissed how important pursuing You is. Show me where I have grown apathetic to You or Your people and remind me of what it means to truly follow You. Help me to grow to love You more. Amen.
Read: Revelation 3:14-20; Matthew 7:21-23
Weekly Memory Verse: “So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:16, ESV