Wild Turkeys
by Pastor Robert V. Shipman, Sr. | January 14, 2010
Wild Turkeys
In my back yard, there is a parade of wild turkeys. I understand that the place where I live was once full of wild birds and bugs and other animals. It was a special place, and each species breeded its own special kind of new species every once in a while. Soon human beings began to use this land that was once protected land because of the various kinds of wild life that lived there. Now the turkeys, bluebirds, woodpeckers, flesh eating plants, etc. can all be seen, but it's as though they don't recognize their home anymore. They seem lost in their own home. How sad! These animals are now strangers in a land that was their home.
In my back yard, there is a parade of wild turkeys. I understand that the place where I live was once full of wild birds and bugs and other animals. It was a special place, and each species breeded its own special kind of new species every once in a while. Soon human beings began to use this land that was once protected land because of the various kinds of wild life that lived there. Now the turkeys, bluebirds, woodpeckers, flesh eating plants, etc. can all be seen, but it's as though they don't recognize their home anymore. They seem lost in their own home. How sad! These animals are now strangers in a land that was their home.
The Bible says that Christians are "pilgrims and strangers" in this world (1 Peter 2:11 I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts...) The Apostle Paul says that "Our citizenship is in Heaven" (Phil 3:20 For our conversation​/citizenship​ is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ...). The world that was once our home is a strange place to those who are in Christ. The Apostle John felt this estrangement so keenly that he tolds us "love not the world..." (1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.) Like those wild turkeys, and like the early Christians, you must always remember to keep moving toward a new home. You may not see it over the horizon yet, but there is a place where your soul can flee for rest.
And during your living on earth, remember that "in Christ" you will never feel completely comfortable with the world as it has come to be. You are in the world but, not of it. There will be conflicts and heartaches, but keep moving toward your Lord. There will be efforts to destroy your environment, but keep moving toward your Lord. In time, He will comfort you. In eternity, He will transform you.
I should tell you that the turkeys hang around for a short period of time; then as if by magic, they are gone; all that's left are their footprints. It will be that way for every child of God one day. We will be gone and the only evidence of our having been here will be our footprints (1 Thessalonians 4:13). As you walk make sure to leave a trail that others may follow to Christ.
