Birdsong (Part 3)

In a couple of articles, I have written about certain passages that come to mind when I hear birds singing. The two most recent scriptures I shared were Lamentations 3:22–23 and Luke 12:6–7. Both magnify the love, faithfulness, and sovereign care of God. One final verse I reflect on when hearing bird calls, chirps, and whistles is Romans found in 12:4–5, which states:

“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”

There are around 450 species of birds in Alabama, and each one has a unique sound. The cardinal has a strong, whistling call; the bluebird’s tone is softer; and the wren’s is distinctly loud. Yet when I hear these birds singing in my yard all at once, it doesn’t strike me as chaotic noise, but rather as an enjoyable melody.

Every believer in the church has received various gifts from the Holy Spirit to share the gospel, magnify Christ, and edify one another. We may have differing roles and functions, but we are all called to strive for spiritual unity and godly growth. How dreadful it would be to wake up early in the morning, walk out into my yard, and hear only the sounds of birds arguing over a business meeting about how much birdseed should be saved for a rainy day—or hear the croaking of insults directed at birds in my neighbor’s yard just because they sing a little differently.

I’m quite glad that birds don’t behave like church members sometimes. We need to be reminded that all of us who have trusted in Jesus are members of His body. We should not compete with one another, nor should we grow complacent in our service. Instead, we should remain steadfast in displaying to the world hearts that are humbled by God’s grace and harmonized by His love.