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August 17, 2023

Have you noticed fewer birds are singing in the middle of August? Most are finishing raising little ones and taking a well-deserved respite. However, there is one bird in particular who sings despite the date on the calendar. It is an elusive little songster we hear but we have to search to find, the Indigo Bunting. While other birds have gone quiet, not interested in spending energy singing in the heat of summer, the Indigo Bunting sings all through the day. He/she has a sweet little song often sung from the top of a tree. These little dark blue birds aren't showy like their cousin the cardinal. They are difficult to see as they go about their daily routines. They eat insects, seeds, and fruit and after their chicks have fledged and the summer is over, they fly south to Mexico and Central America. I always consider it a lucky day when I can spot one singing, not needing an audience or accolades, just singing for the joy of it.

For some reason, these little birds bring to my mind the word humble. They are not attention seekers but do their work in such a way as not to call too much attention to themselves. There are lots of scriptures to remind us of the benefits of being humble. James 4:10, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."

In our society where big personalities and flamboyant lifestyles are revered, scriptures point us to just the opposite set of values. Why is it that society places much value on material riches and self-aggrandizement? We are witnesses to the degradation and devaluing of people when the Golden Rule becomes passe and the love for God and our obedience has lost its importance. It is especially egregious when the people with the most power thumb their noses at God who loves us all.

In Proverbs 22:4, The Message reads this way, "The payoff for meekness and fear-of-God is plenty and honor and a satisfying life. When scripture says "fear of the Lord", it means awe, respect, and obedience. There is another scripture in 1 Peter 5:6-7 that reminds us that our position in this life is not important. It is the recognition from God that is what counts. It is important for us not to carry our anxieties and burdens, we need to hand them over to God. "So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you."

The Biblical personality, Ruth is an example of a humble yet joyful person. Despite her circumstances, she found joy in her humbleness to her mother-in-law leading to a new life and a role that led to her being in the lineage of Jesus. Joseph did not start out as a humble young man, but on maturity and hardship, he humbled himself and found joy in forgiving and saving his family. In the New Testament, Paul is an excellent example of humbleness. He is always urging the new churches to find joy even though they were experiencing oppression, even persecution.

We are the ambassadors for the Good News, we are not the good news. Our job as Christians is to love, be obedient to God's word and serve Him with honor, respect, love, and humbleness. What does that look like in our lives? Here are a few ideas: We needn't be envious of others, appreciate what they have to offer, and be thankful for what we can offer. We need to celebrate the wonderful things happening in others' lives. We can be thankful for answered prayers for others. We can show humbleness by being patient. God is not concerned with our timetable. We need to be encouragers of people. Everyone needs to feel valued and have a sense of belonging. We can overlook pettiness and not carry grudges. They will eat us up from the inside out. We read in Paul's letter to the Colossians 3 all sorts of guidelines for living into the promise we are given. In particular, Paul writes in verses 12-14, "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another, Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."

It's mid-day on a hot August afternoon. I wonder if I go outdoors I can hear a particular little humble bird singing from the treetops and be reminded to sing just for the joy of it.

Blessings,

Becky

Bridgewater UMC 

Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world!  

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Bridgewater, VA 22812

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