Expressions like "wild goose chase" or "dumb as a goose," doesn't give one an indication that geese are very smart animals. However, scientists have discovered some interesting facts about geese that show to us the wisdom of God in creation. Surely, we have heard some of these findings before, but it would be important for us, as a church, to learn some vital lessons from a goose in order to bless our growth.

Have you ever wondered why geese fly in a V? One of the reasons is that there are some aerodynamic factors to flying in this formation. We are told that as each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird traveling directly behind it. Also, by flying in a V formation, the whole flock adds at least 71 percent greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. When the head goose tires, it rotates back in the wing and another goose flies point. Geese honk from behind to encourage each other! Finally, if a goose becomes ill or is wounded by gunshots and falls out of formation, two other geese fall out with the wounded goose and remain with it to lend help and protection. They stay with the goose until it either recovers or dies. Only then do they launch out and return to their group.

There are many vital lessons on cooperation and encouragement that the church needs to learn from the goose. When God saves us in Christ, he does so within the context of community. We are all part of a body of people who need the support, strength and encouragement of our fellow believers. When one of us tires, becomes discouraged or hurt, it behooves the rest of us to come to the aid of the other; to show compassion and caring. Furthermore, there may be a lot of "honking" going on within our churches, but how much of it is in the form of complaint or gossip? What we need more than anything is people who will speak an encouraging word to give an "uplift" to our brother or sister.

Perhaps the church could use a little "flying in formation" of its own! And maybe, just maybe we'd get 71 percent more progress for the kingdom from our combined efforts. Wouldn't that be something?

Tom Nuckels
November 21, 2004