It’s interesting to watch geese flying south for the winter. Someone pointed out that there are lessons we Christians can learn from the geese as we journey through life.

Did you ever wonder why geese fly in a “V” formation? It is because as each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following it. By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock adds at least 71 percent greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. Christians who share a common direction and a sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier, because they are traveling together. We are not on this journey alone. We would do well to pay careful attention to the many “one another” verses in the New Testament.

Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone, and it quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front. If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those who are headed the same way we are going! The Bible warns us against forsaking the assembly (Heb.10:25) and exhorts us to maintain unity. Eph.4:3 urges us, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

When the lead goose gets tired, he rotates back in the formation and another goose flies point. Whether you are a goose on the wing or a Christian working in the church, it makes sense to take turns doing the hard jobs. Gal.6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Have you ever noticed how the geese honk as they fly along? It is thought that the ones flying behind honk to encourage the ones up front to keep up their speed. We all need encouragement. Just make sure that your “honking” is always positive and not negative! “…if you have a word of exhortation for the people, please speak.” (Acts 13:15b).

Finally, when a goose gets sick or injured and cannot fly any longer, two geese fall out of formation and stay with him to help and protect him. They stay with him until he can fly, or until he dies. Then they may join another formation to help them catch up to their original group. We need to take care of each other when one of us falters. 1 Thess.5:14 says that we are to “…help the weak…”.

These are some simple lessons we can learn from the geese to implement some of the Bible’s principles for how to live and work together in the church.