Articles
Nuthatch
R E F L E C T I O N S
Thoughts on nature and the Christian faith
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"It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the
wise than to hear the song of fools." - Eccl. 7:5
I photographed this nuthatch in its characteristic upside down pose as it was reprimanding another bird for invading its space. I don't understand nuthatch language, but I suspect the call it made to the intruder was something like, "This is my perch and if you know what's good for you, you will leave now!" No one likes to be rebuked, but sometimes it is necessary to receive it, especially if it comes from someone you respect. Flattery may be pleasant to our ears but if it comes from fools, it profits little. Have you ever been praised by someone you did not respect for something you knew was wrong when you did it? I have. That kind of flattery sounds hollow, and even hurts more than if they had said nothing at all. On the other hand, have you ever been rebuked by someone you deeply respected? It hurts, doesn't it? But it also rings true, and in the end proves to be helpful because it was just what you needed to hear. This is why it is good to surround ourselves with mature, wise counselors who love us enough to tell us the truth, even when it hurts. I have grown more as a Christian from listening to reprimands from those I respected than from paying any attention to those who, out of fear of hurting me, gave me kind words that I knew in my heart was just empty flattery. A true friend speaks truth even when it is painful to hear. That is how we grew as children when we were admonished by our parents, and that is how we grow as followers of Jesus. Our consciences can become calloused by being told our evil deeds are really not so bad. This is why God's law is a hard, but necessary, thing to hear. And that is why rebuke, if it is heeded, is always followed by mercy and grace. - John
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