I do not consider myself a birdwatcher. I do take notice of some birds, like eagles,
hawks and owls. I will also stop and
watch a Cardinal, Blue Jay or Hummingbird.
Ducks, Geese, and Chickens fall into another category altogether and I
am not sure why. Perhaps it is because I
grew up on a farm where they were domesticated and part of the food chain. And as most people who live in the more northern
climates of the United States, I notice the first robin in the spring. But that is about as far as it goes. When it comes to birds, there has to be
something unusual or rare for me to take notice. The usual flying creatures are simply
background in my world. Crows, swallows
and sparrows are just there. I suppose I
would miss them if they weren't, but of that I cannot be sure. 
But fear not for the common, the everyday, the mundane birds
of our backyard. There is someone who
cares. Jesus said, “Are not two sparrows
sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your
Father’s care.” Matthew 10:29 (NIV)
As I read those words attributed to Jesus by the author of
the Gospel of Matthew, I understand just how different my thinking is from
God’s. I don’t give the sparrows or
swallows or robins much thought unless leaving droppings on my car. I don’t visit the zoo to see them. I don’t watch Animal Planet on my cable
system to see them. I don’t care enough
about them to be that interested in them.
But God is! And if God is that
interested in the smallest, most insignificant birds in my backyard, what else
is God interested in that I am missing.
As a follower of Christ, trying to live as a faithful
disciple of the Lord, is it not my responsibility to be concerned with the
things that concern God. Should I not
care for the things that God cares about?
Of course I should. But I must
also recognize that I, unlike God, have my limitations. I cannot see every sparrow fall or even count
the hairs on my head, which is a finite number, I assure you.
Good discipleship is not spreading our gifts and talents all
over the place. We water down our effect
and are in great danger of disappointment and burnout if we do.
Good discipleship is focusing our gifts and talents on areas
of God’s concern where they are best suited.
We need disciples who are able to watch out for God’s creation and sound
a clarion call when there is a danger or misuse taking place. We need disciples who are able to provide
healing to the sick and wounded. We need
disciples who are able to produce art that uplifts the spirit, speaks to our
souls, and makes us think about our place in the world. We need disciples who are prophets, speaking
truth to power. We need disciples who
are teachers, to educate and challenge our thoughts about who we are and where
we are going. We need disciples who are…
You!
Jesus said, “…You are worth more than many sparrows.”
Matthew 10:31
You are unique in this world. There is no one quite like you. You are created for great things and the
church needs you! “Do not be afraid, you
are worth more than many sparrows.” Live what you are worth. Be a birdwatcher if that is what you are
gifted and called to be. Be a teacher if
that is where your calling lies. Be a
prophet, a doctor, an artist, a preacher…
Be good disciples and God will bless you in your calling.
May you find joy in your journey!
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