Parrots and Eagles

They will soar on wings as eagles
(Isaiah 40:31)

Are you a parrot or are you an eagle? This is the question one of my favorite Christian authors, Chuck Swindoll, asked in his daily devotional, “Good Morning Lord … Can We Talk?” His description of eagles and parrots struck a chord with me.

He says there are two types of people found in churches – parrots and eagles. The parrots are content to sit in their pews, repeating verses and phrases they have learned by heart, forming little cliques where they parrot worn-out phrases to each other that sound very spiritual, while looking askance at the eagles who are weird and challenging to their well-ordered world. They often question the spirituality of the eagles, because eagles ask hard questions, dig deep, and do not sound like everyone else. In one word, they are “different.” And different is often a challenge to parrots. They smile and welcome the eagles but only so far. It’s okay to talk to them in church but they won’t allow the eagles further than the outskirts of their groups.

If you are an eagle and feel alien when you go to church, do not stop being an eagle and join the parrots. And don’t stop going to church because you feel alien and out of place. The church needs more eagles, who bring breaths of fresh air and new perspectives, honesty, and realism.

It is to the eagles that God most often sends His hurting, injured children. He needs you, one of his eagles, to be His hands and feet and become a stepping-stone for a damaged child of God who is on the difficult path to wholeness.

If you view your Sunday visits to church in this light, each time will be an adventure. Smile at the parrots, thank them for their insights and blessings, and keep your eyes open for the person God is sending your way.