The Parable of a Wild Duck!

The story is told of some wild ducks, making their annual springtime journey northwards. As they flew over a particular farm, they could see a flock of tame ducks in the yard. One of the wild ducks left his migrating friends in flight, and made his way down to the yard, where he mingled with the ducks on the ground.

After having eaten some of the corn that the farmer had provided for his own ducks, the wild bird flew away. However, he quickly returned and, this time, stayed a little longer. The safety of the farm, and the plentiful supply of food, were so appealing that he lived all summer among the domestic fowl. When autumn came, he heard the cries of his former companions as they headed southward to their winter nesting place. He felt a strong desire to join them - but his added weight from having eaten so much kept him from flying very far! So, he settled down and spent all winter on the farm.

In the following spring, he again heard the familiar call of the migrating flock. His eyes gleamed, and he began to flap his wings - but he had no real desire to fly, and made no real effort! That autumn, the sound of the wild ducks flying overhead only caused him to, momentarily, look up - and from then on, he paid no attention at all. One day, the farmer decided it was the turn of this particular bird, and he discovered the cost of all of that corn as his neck was wrung!

That little story has an important lesson for those of us who claim to be disciples of Jesus. We, too, can be lured into complacency by losing the high ideals that we espoused when we committed ourselves to Him. Solomon is an example of one who began with a sincere desire to be a wise and righteous ruler; but he compromised his principles by being married to women from heathen nations, in disobedience to the Law of God. Eventually, he had drifted so far from the noble aspirations of his earlier years that his reign ended in failure - and resulted in the splitting of the kingdom.

If you are a disciple of Jesus reading this, I would encourage you to submit yourself fully to Him; renew your commitment on a daily basis; and be true to His high purpose for your life! Think of the parable of the wild duck, when you are tempted to associate too closely with those who may lead you astray. Remember, if you disobey God to satisfy your own desires, you will soon lose your high spiritual standards. We are called to be witnesses for Him, wherever we are. What sort of witness am I? What sort of witness are you?

Paul wrote: "Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Rom.12:2). That's the answer!