Strength in Numbers

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another…

Hebrews 10:24, 25 NKJV

Very few animals that inhabit the earth are loners. I’m sure you could probably come up with a few. But many species are group or family oriented. You often see a herd of deer, a flock of turkeys, or a covey of quail. There were many hunting trips where I just wanted to see one deer, let alone a herd!

Take time to study the behavior of any animal. They are very relational with their own kind. Mothers tend to their offspring. Young animals joyfully play together. I love to watch squirrels chase each other up and down an oak tree, or see fawns running in circles in an open field. When it comes to survival, animals find solace and strength in numbers. A covey of quail will huddle close together when a predator is nearby. If you mess with one hornet, you mess with the whole hive!

God created us in the same way. We, too, are creatures that need family and fellowship. It is not meant for us to go it alone in life. For that reason, it is very important for us to be a part of a church fellowship. Regardless of the denomination, be close to the Body of Christ. Read John 15. A branch apart from the vine cannot bear fruit. That is a fundamental principal in Gardening 101 and in life. Open your heart to others and be accountable. It is then that you will find strength in numbers.

Excerpted from, Around the Campfire: Devotions for the Sportsman by Thomas Naumann . Copyrignt © 2004. For more information, visit J. Countryman publishers at www.jcountryman.com.