8-20-23
“Even the jackals offer the breast and nurse their young, but my people have become cruel, like the ostriches in the wilderness”. Lamentations 4:3 (NRSV)
“The ostrich’s wings flap wildly, though its pinions lack plumage. For it leaves its eggs to the earth, and lets them be warmed on the ground, forgetting that a foot may crush them, and that a wild animal may trample them. It deals cruelly with its young, as if they were not its own; though its labor should be in vain, yet it has no fear; because God has made it forget wisdom and given it no share in understanding. Job 39:13-17 (NRSV)
Listening to a rather interesting theological debate this week, one of the participates expounded on the thought and views of various types of Christians. Honestly, I had no idea there were so many views or labels for Christians today, theologically. However, I decided to stay with what the Scriptures and Jesus says. A true Christian is a Believer in Jesus Christ and follower of His teachings.
To be a follower of someone is to pattern your life after him or her. Christ is our ultimate example of how to live a life that is pleasing to God. If we pattern our lives after him, we will please God. Not only that, but we will also find ourselves accepted into His eternal kingdom. To be like Christ is our goal. We want to think His thoughts, show His attitudes, live as He would live here on earth today. It is an awesome goal, and since we are not perfect, that goal seems unattainable. While we cannot achieve perfection in this life, Christ Himself does promise to give us the power for living effectively for Him.
What kind of Christian do you ascribe to? Most of us (including myself) are not always very good at honestly observing ourselves and reflecting on what goes on in our minds and beneath the surface of our lives. God has designed us with the ability to explore our deepest parts. Even the Psalmist says in Psalm 139:23-24 as he cries out to God: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.” Also , Proverbs 20:27 “The human spirit is the lamp of the Lord, searching every inmost part.” We are all a work in progress. As Christians we are in the process of sanctification and prayerfully desire personal growth and transformation, cultural appreciation, ethical development, and intellectual enrichment to represent God well must be our ultimate goal.
Now when it comes to the ostrich, there are two schools of thought regarding our Scripture in Job 39:13-17 and Lamentations 4:3
and others regarding its application symbolically in the life a Christian. This passage portrays the ostrich as a creature with certain behaviors that might not appear wise or nurturing. It draws attention to the ostrich’s apparent lack of care for her young and her abandonment of her eggs, seemingly oblivious to the dangers that could harm them. Some have used this passage to symbolize individuals who exhibit faith without wisdom, lacking discernment or understanding. This could also refer to Christians who focus on certain outward expressions of faith while neglecting the deeper aspects of spiritual growth and understanding.
Of course, you will not find the term “Ostrich Christians” is Scripture, and it is not a commonly recognized biblical concept however it can be used representationally to describe a certain attitude or behavior that look like or resembles the behavior of ostriches.
S
mith’s Bible Dictionary describes the Ostrich as a large bird, native of African and Arabia, nearly ten feet high, having s long neck and short wings. It is the largest of all known birds, and perhaps the swiftest of all cursorial (having limbs adapted for running) animals. It seeks retired places, ( Job 30:29 ; Lamentations 4:13 ) and has a peculiar mournful cry that is sometimes mistaken by the Arabs for that of the lion. (Micah 1:8)
Reflecting on the theme Scripture, What is an Ostrich Christian? Let’s look into Scripture. The word Ostrich is mentioned throughout Scripture. It is mentioned 10 times in 12 different Bible translations. It has been said that Ostriches are known for their tendency to bury their heads in the sand when faced with danger. The common belief that ostriches bury their heads in the sand is actually a myth and not supported by scientific research. Ostriches do not bury their heads in the sand as a form of defense or avoidance. This myth likely originated from observations of ostriches lowering their heads to the ground to feed or interact with their nests. They use their head and neck postures for various purposes such as feeding, communicating, and protecting their nests, but they do not bury their heads in the sand as the myth suggests. When an ostrich senses danger, it often drops to the ground and stretches its neck out along the ground, which might have contributed to the misconception that it is burying its head.
Similarly, “Ostrich Christians” could refer to individuals who avoid confronting difficult truths, challenges, or responsibilities by ignoring or denying them, much like the perceived behavior of the ostrich.
What Does The Scriptures Say About “CHRISTLIKENESS?”
- Christlikeness is following in Christ’s footsteps. As we follow our Lord, we attract others to follow him also. 1 Peter 2:21-23 “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps. He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly.” (NRSV)
- Christlikeness involves selflessly following Christ. Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” (NRSV)
- A compassionate lifestyle is a sign of Christlikeness. Luke 6:36. “You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.” (NLT)
- A life of humble service is a necessary part of Christlikeness. John 13:14-15. “You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.” (NRSV)
How Do We As Believers in Christ Become More Like CHRIST?
We become more like Christ by carefully studying how He lived and loved. Then we invite Him to work His powerful love through us.
2 Corinthians 3:18. “And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.” (NRSV)
Ephesians 4:15. “Instead, we will hold to the truth in love, becoming more and more in every way like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.”
Philippians 1:6. “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.” (NRSV)
James 1:22-25 “But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, ongoing away, immediately forget what they were like. But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act, they will be blessed in their doing.” (NRSV)
A GODLY HEART: Being a part of the family of God should significantly affect our character as well as our conduct. Those who are called God’s people are special, holy, dedicated to the Lord, and chosen to be His own. Yes it is a special privilege, but also a special responsibility. It must affect the way we live. Deuteronomy 7:6,“You are a holy people, who belong to the Lord your God. Of all the people on earth He has chosen you to be his own special treasure.”
If two people were talking about you, what would they say? Your reputation and what other people are saying about you is often a good indicator of your character.
We must have godly character! Character is something you are; but it must also be something you desire to become. This intangible thing called character is actually who you are. It is the sum total of all that distinguishes you as a person from everyone else. We are not born with godly character; it is developed through experience and testing and a commitment to knowing God and His word. Everyone develops their character by facing daily challenges and choosing wisely. James reminds us that when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.
Interestingly, we work hard in our lives to become excellent in many areas, especially in the areas of careers and other areas. It makes sense to also work hard at becoming morally excellent, to be known as someone who has mastered the art of living in areas that really matter, like justice, integrity, kindness, love, faithfulness, righteousness, mercy, honesty, fairness, and faithfulness are essential traits of godly character.
Ultimately, our character is our mark on society. Those striving for good character, or better yet for godly character, are working toward moral excellence. And Jesus is the ultimate example in moral excellence.
FATHER GOD: Thank You for Your Word that gives us clear instructions on how to live and represent You well! Help us to develop godly character and never pretend everything is well when it isn’t. Arrest our souls and make us what You want us to be. Help us to allow nothing to hinder the work that You want to do in our hearts, in the Precious, Powerful, and Preeminent Name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, Amen!