To 160 th Ave Church of Christ

Fact No. 1: As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift draft for the bird following. By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock adds a greater flying range than if one bird flew alone.

Lesson No. 1: There is strength in numbers! “It is not good for man to be alone” (Gen. 2:18) Eccl. 4:9-12 People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they’re going quicker and more easily because they are traveling on the strength of one another

Lesson No. 1: God gave us a group, He gave us the church! –A Universal group (Eph. 4:11-13; Acts 2:41) –A Local group People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they’re going quicker and more easily because they are traveling on the strength of one another

Fact No. 2: Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front.

Lesson No. 2: Heb. 10:19-31 We are not meant to be an island If we have as much sense as gees, we will stay in formation and be willing to accept help when we need it and give help when it is needed.

Fact No. 3: When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation, and another goose flies in the point position

Lesson No. 3: The Pareto (80/20) principle should not be the case! Those “flying point” need to be careful of not growing weary of doing good and not resent those flying behind. –Gal. 6:1-10 “Bear one another’s burdens” “test your own work” “each will have to bear his own load” “you reap what you sow” “don’t grow weary of doing good” Those “flying behind” ought to take up the reigns and take on some of the work load rather than resent those “flying point.” (2 Thess. 3:6-12) We need to share the work load and not resent one another.

Fact No. 4: The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

Lesson No. 4: Constantly In the Epistles there is warning of empty talk, foolish speech, disputing, quarreling. –Phil 2:14-15 –James 3:13-18 Encouragment is the key –Eph. 4:29 –Acts 11:22-23 We need to make sure our honking from behind is encouraging and not something else

Fact No. 5: When a goose gets sick, is wounded or is shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to earth to help and protect it. They stay with their disabled companion until it is able to fly again or dies. They then launch out on their own or with another formation or catch up with the flock.

Lesson No. 5: Gal. 6:1-2 Jude 1:20-23 If we have as much sense as geese, we, too, will stand by one another in difficult times and help the one who has dropped out regain his place in the formation.