Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever
is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is
admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
There is an interesting bird found on the south island of
New Zealand. It is a large member of the parrot family, and it is known as the
Kea.
They are a good-sized, greenish bird, with a large hooked
beak and the characteristic parrot toe-pattern of two toes towards the front, and
two toes towards the back.
As you read about the Kea you learn that the Kea is known for stealing the
rubber from cars. They don't eat it, as is sometimes assumed, instead, they
play with it. And your shoelaces, and any garbage you leave behind. They are
known as the local clowns.
Sadly, the playful Kea is endangered. They are infamous
for killing sheep, and in 1880 a bounty was placed on their heads. The bounty
was not lifted until 1971, and the Kea was not brought under the protection of
the government until 1986.
Though protected, Kea young continue to be threatened by
introduced species such as possums and stoats, and adult birds continue to be
threatened by exotic avian diseases, the unknown effects of global warming on
New Zealand Alpine habitats, and by their human contact, which often leads to
lead poisoning. It is now believed that there are fewer than 5,000 remaining in
the wild.
It's sad, but with their fascination for killing and
stealing, they have brought this upon themselves! I don't know about you, but I
want more for my life than stealing rubber from cars and laces from shoes! I
want to be known as more than a local clown. I want to strive for a meaningful
life in Christ!
How can I do that?
Certainly not by following the example of the Kea.
Fortunately, the Bible shows us a better way: "Come
near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and
purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your
laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord,
and he will lift you up." (James 4:8-10 NIV)
Basically, the road to the meaningful life means
humility!
Remember, this "better way" doesn't stem from
being sin-free. None of us will ever achieve that state here on Earth. Instead
it comes from HATING wickedness in all of its forms! It comes from identifying
those deep, dark places in our hearts and HATING them!
In other words, while you hate what is wicked, you must
also long for what is pure! "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever
is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is
admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such
things." (Phil 4:8 NIV)
Friends, Keas may be cute, but they are also pests, and
worse, are endangered. If you strive, as I try to do, to live a meaningful life
that leads to life eternal, then take this advice to heart: Love righteousness
and hate wickedness.
Dear Lord, we pray that it would be our drive to seek
after righteousness and hate wickedness. Thank You for the lessons we can see
all around us if we keep our eyes upon You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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