On the way to church recently, we noticed a goose sitting by a beautiful pond. She was in the same place every time we drove by. We soon realized she was sitting on eggs. She never left them. Always protected them. Occasionally we saw a gander near her. The reason? They mate for life. It’s the way God made them.
Weeks passed until, at last, we saw three little goslings dancing around the feet of their mother. It’s fun to drive by now and see both goose and gander staying ever so close to their little ones, feeding, guiding, and protecting them from predators. When an animal comes near, they usher everyone in the opposite direction.
The scene leaves me thinking about families. It was God’s design from the beginning that man and woman be joined for life. Jesus said divorce is never an option except for adultery or fornication (Matt. 19:1-10).
Husbands should love and protect their wives (1Peter 3:7). Fathers and mothers should lovingly nurture, guide, and protect their children from evil so they can grow physically and spiritually into ones who obey God (Eph. 6:4, 2 Tim. 1:5). The most dangerous predator is Satan. Is it not odd, then, that parents feel compelled to provide entertainment for the family with television, computers, games, music, etc., virtually inviting Satan into their home? Bad language, violent or immoral scenes, crude humor, and more. In goose and gander terms, it is like inviting a hawk to have dinner with the goslings. How absurd is that?
Couples, honor your vows. Parents, teach your children to obey God, lead them away from evil enticements, and be as vigilant and protective as the goose and gander. Today’s Verse: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Pet. 5:8), Abstain from every form of evil (1 Thess. 5:22).
Today’s Challenge: Examine your family. Is God first? Are you on the look-out for predators? Today’s extra thought: A mother should cherish and protect the life of her unborn baby. One can only imagine the anger that is kindled when God looks down on those who do not.
--Teresa Hampton
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