Birds Of A Feather - Part 2

Hummingbirds are incredibly aggressive, territorial creatures. The males especially will defend their feeder and living area by physically attacking and chasing other hummingbirds. They have established their space and will do whatever is necessary to maintain it as their own.

You would never suspect this antisocial behavior from a beautiful little bird. We stand mesmerized at the window while we watch their little wings and listen to their hum. We even laugh a little as they chase each other around the bushes below.

What we don't often realize, though, is that the male who is doing the chasing and protecting has something very serious at stake here. His territory is filled with all the food, nesting places and room to fly that he needs. If another male were to take up residence there as well, he would be fighting for a share of the food and the attention of the females. In their world, this is completely unacceptable.

To humans this seems shallow and mean. We learn from a young age to share what we have, include others and treat everyone as we would want to be treated. God's ways, man's ways and hummingbird ways are all very, very different.

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Romans 12:17-19

If we were to adopt the attitude of the hummingbird, we would never allow anyone to come into our personal space. There is too much we've created in our homes, our hearts and our minds that could possibly be taken away. It's just easier to chase everyone off and do our own thing.

But Paul reminded the believers in Rome that honesty, peace and patience are more important than space or being right. We're not territorial birds, but part of a flock that needs peace to run through it. This begins within our own hearts and being open to God's direction.

We can either live peaceably or live in the hummingbird's chaotic world of territory and isolation.

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