"Understanding the Importance of Ownership and Protection in the Natural World: A Reflection on Geese and Biblical Scripture"
- Sister Janet K.
- Apr 19, 2024
- 2 min read
These geese live at the local park and this is their domain. They must have studied and memorized this verse then honk it out if you come near. “…no trespassing - this whole park is Mine.”They literally own whatever area they choose and if you get close to their decided boundary, you feel the ankle biters at your feet. Last time I had to crawl up on a bench before they both finally wandered away. Ownership for geese is an important part of their nature and they will defend their kind and the other ducks from intruders. Respectfully, they protect each other.
In biblical scripture, God stated succinctly in Exodus that “the whole earth is Mine. “ ”The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein.“ Psalms 24:1
Ownership is one of the greatest foundations of democracy. When the government manipulates the right of ownership through socialist ideas, we end up losing a lot of other freedoms as well. Just like these geese who have claimed their territory, we can work towards protecting and caring for our properties. But it takes much responsibility to maintain what we own with the realization it is just loaned to us as a blessing from God. Ownership brings responsibility and faithfulness. God demonstrated that to us by sending His Son to redeem us to be His own and under His eternal protection. Just like our material possessions can’t fix themselves, we cannot fix our own sinful nature. So God reached down to redeem what was broken.”This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." 1 John 4:10
“The earth is the Lord’s…and all who dwell therein.” God has given us earthly bodies and His desire is to dwell within them. He gives us ownership of them and how we treat them is a reflection of our gratitude to Him.
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Jesus paid the ultimate price in His body so we can use ours to glorify Him.
“And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together” Colossians 1:17
Perhaps that male goose thinks he holds all things together at the park but I for one am very happy that God is in charge of all things for me. I take ownership seriously as He shares His world with me but in the end, His Will for them and me will prevail. Thank you Lord for allowing us to live in your Creation for a time such as this.
“Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive blessing from the Lord, And righteousness from the God of his salvation." Psalms 24:3-5
Amen. 🙏🫶🤝
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