We have some visitors in the pond behind our house.
Although it’s been a few years since we’ve seen them, these ducks are welcomed guests. And we are not just talking about a few. No, there are hundreds of ducks wintering here.
As I was sitting on the deck taking in some warm sun yesterday, something odd caught my eye.
These ducks were chasing each other around the pond. They were biting one another and quacking in frustration and disgust. It was a pretty loud and chaotic situation.
But in the middle of this huge flock of ducks just hanging out… was a goose. Being twice their size, this gentle intruder stood out like a sore thumb.
His cover was blown.
Even though he swam like a duck,
submerged his head to get food from under the water like a duck,
made duck-like noises…
he was most certainly not a duck.
He didn’t participate in their fighting. He didn’t partake in their angry behavior. Instead, he swam in and out of the flock. It was calmness in the midst of chaos.
That’s a perfect picture of how we should be in this world!
We should stand out rather than blend in.
But here is the problem… most of the time we don’t.
- We gossip behind the backs of others rather than stop the conversation.
- We watch inappropriate movies and shows instead of setting a standard.
- We use language and expressions that are offensive.
- We allow situations to overwhelm us rather than trust Him.
- We aren’t careful with the hearts of others.
Unless we are intentional about standing firm in our beliefs and work to follow what God wants for our lives, we’ll be indistinguishable from the world.
No, thank you.
Here’s where it gets tricky. We have to stand out without being judgmental. You see, we are called to love… while being different.
Galatians 5:14 says this… “The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
This goose did nothing wrong by mingling in the pond with the ducks. While he knew he’d never be one of them (nor did he want to be), maybe he just liked showing them how wonderful being a goose really was.
- He wasn’t there to bother, pester or ridicule.
- He didn’t feel or act superior.
- He wasn’t looking to become one of them.
I wonder if somehow he knew the state of these ducks, and was hoping some of his regal goose-ness would rub off.
Sisters, we were not created to blend in.
If we do, something’s not right.
You see, we are supposed to affect the world.
Not the other way around.
God brought us into the world here and now because He knew we’d have the ability to influence our communities in a profound way…
Not mirror them.
He commanded us to love others selflessly so we would reflect Him…
Not judge them.
Don’t try to blend in.
It’s just not your legacy.
†††
REALITY CHECK: You were not made to blend in. You were created to stand out.
©2012 careyscotttalks.com
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Carey, this devotional was right on. I am out of town and last night was sitting in a hotel room trying to find something to watch on TV that didn’t have filthy sexual overtones. It was difficult. I just kept changing channels until I found a drama to watch because it seems as if all of the sitcoms were filthy. I actually thought to myself, what if all of the Christians quit watching these shows . . . be the goose!
Marsha… I know what you mean. I was just telling my husband today how frustrating it is to live in a world with sexual undertones everywhere you turn. You are a light, coach. I love you so much!
Great insight. I need that attitude and demeanor with my neighbors.
Mom, you are essential in that neighborhood! God is using you!
Carey – this post is so good, so important, and so well written. A blessing in all ways. I’m not only sharing on Facebook, but will be doing an activity around it with my son and will be emailing to friends who don’t use social media. Bless you my friend…
I believe this is a lesson we should learn young so that we don’t spend our years and our life trying to be ducks when God made us to be swans, geese, or in my case a loon! 🙂
Shanyn… a loon! HA! Thanks for being a voice of encouragement. I appreciate you!
🙂 <3
Love this !!!! A call to be different – love the image. God does not desire us to blend in – and yet unless we come against the fear of man we will always be captives. I pray the Lord would stir us to take hold of our identity in who we are (in Him) so that we can be confident in who He has called us to be. That is where the peace is found – and the ability to not judge. Great great great insight today!!!
Jeanelle… I agree! Confidence in Him is essential to our ability to stand out. Yes!
Strangely enough, the ONLY advice my father ever gave me growing up was, “Cover your butt. Don’t make any waves.” Essentially, try not to stand out in any way and just go with the flow. Really? That’s your hope for me? To be mediocre at best? I’ve been fighting against that thinking for a long time and trying to replace it with the truth of who God made me to be and wants me to be. I still have my pacifist moments where I’d rather keep the peace than make waves, but I’m trying to speak out more.
Rachel… you are a voice for Him, girl. Don’t ever think otherwise. You speak real… true… honest words. Love you!
Good Morning,
This is a PERFECT story for an illustration in my first grade small group this morning! They will get it and remember it. I love when God works in amazing ways. We are learning about Daniel, lions and blending in. Yay God!
Thanks, Carey.
Pam, hope your first grade small group went well and that they like the duck/goose story!