Sharing
People love hummingbirds. I’m not so sure, however, that the two hummingbirds I have visiting my feeders love each other. I’ve been watching them the past few weeks and one of the two absolutely will not let the other one feed. If it sees the other hummingbird anywhere close to the feeders it will dive bomb it and harass it until it leaves. What I find interesting about this is the fact that I have two feeders. There is more than enough sugar water available for them. Each bird could have its very own feeder but the dominant bird doesn’t want to share. Aren’t you glad that we humans aren’t like that?
As I’m sure you already know, that last line was written “tongue in cheek.” I am afraid the hummingbird behavior I’ve been observing recently is not all that different from the human behavior we observe from time to time between nations, in the halls of Congress, in places of business, and even in churches. Selfishness and greed have a way of raising their ugly heads just about anywhere you look. Fussing and fighting, well-known side effects of selfishness and greed, have a way of breaking out wherever humans interact. In fact, it seems like this has become the norm rather than the exception.
God certainly had a different plan for us. In Psalm 133:1 David said “How good and pleasant it is when brothers [and sisters] live together in unity.” That is God’s goal for us and should be our goal as well. If that is going to take place we must learn to share. The Scriptures certainly have a lot to say about sharing. Hebrews 13:16 says “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” One of the messages John the Baptizer delivered was: “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.” (Luke 3:11) The writer of First John raised this poignant question, “If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion how can God’s love be in that person?” (3:17) Luke described the early church this way: “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.” (Acts 4:32)
My hummingbird’s refusal to share could prove quite detrimental to the other bird. Our failure to share, likewise, can come with dire consequences. In some instances it is truly a life or death matter. As children we often received instructions on the importance of sharing. Here lately, I’m thinking we may all need a refresher course.
–Chuck
(I took the pictures shown here in my yard the last couple of days.)