by Jerry Senn
Have you noticed geese soaring across the sky in V formation? Scientists have uncovered the wisdom behind this flight pattern, as each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the one behind if allowing for the one behind it allowing the flow to extend its range by nearly 70% compared to flying solo—When a goose strays from the formation, it immediately feels the strain of flying alone and returns.
Even more astonishingly is their teamwork. When a goose grows weary it rotates to the back allowing another to lead. And if one goose becomes sick or injured, two companions drop out of formation to stay with it, offering protection and support. They remain until the fallen bird recovers or passes, then they rejoin their flock or find another group to continue the journey. This is a powerful reflection of shared strength—servant leadership—and the unity of the body of Christ. We weren’t made to navigate alone.
The journey is demanding and the winds can be fierce—but when we lift one another, take turns leading, and refuse to abandon the vulnerable, we can achieve far more together than we ever could apart.
The geese do those things because it’s the way God made them, to act instictively. It is a survival strategy for animals.
Brethren see the geese as a pattern activity in the church. However, God didn’t create us to act instinctively, but provided incentives to follow the “mindset” of His Son Jesus Christ. Unity doesn’t happen by accident.
“Have This Mind in You!”
(Philippians 2:5)