Posted by Fledge on Sunday February 13 2011 | Tweet
The African Honey badger (Mellivora capensis) is one of the most ferocious animals on the African bush. He'll take on just about any animal without hesitation. While leading safaris in Africa I personally have witnessed a badger defend itself against 6 full-grown 250lb female lions and they were basically handed their tails.
Being a honey badger he does enjoy the sweet syrupy nectar provided by bees. Finding beehives is a feat in itself as the hive is usually well hidden from invaders such as the ill-tempered badger.
How then does the badger find this elusive delicacy?
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There is an incredible little bird called the Greater Honeyguide (Indicator indicator). This somewhat drab looking bird seems to coerce the badger into following him getting the badgers attention by calling and flapping its wings and then flying from tree to tree until it leads the badger to the hidden hive. The badger then does what it does best: digs out the honey and comb.
Its thick coat is impervious to stings. The only vulnerable spot on the badger is its nose and is willing to forgo a sting here and there to feast on this sugar sweet meal.
Once the badger is done he does not forget his symbiotic friend waiting in the tree above. The honeyguide patiently waits to be rewarded for his gift of service. With a sense of goodwill the badger, once done eating, leaves a good sized piece of honeycomb for the patient guide to enjoy. This partying gift leaves a sense of gratitude from the badger.
Understanding God through His Creation
Part one of this interaction - giving back.
As a Christian we have a duty to give back. We need to learn to be good stewards of what we have been given. Just as the badger gives back a portion to the guide we too are to give a portion back of what we have received.
This can be done in a few ways. Tithing is usually always related to giving back and 10% is the common ground for deciding what you may tithe to your church or supported mission:
The Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the goods he had recovered.Genesis 15:20
Giving back may not always be a gift of money. Serving Christ as His creation can be done by doing just that: Serving. The Badger didn't just eat and leave an open hive for the guide. He physically leaves a portion for the guide. This is an act of physically doing something.
You too, as a follower of Christ, could physically DO something to give back. There is no lack of places to serve. Maybe it begins finding a church and serving there. There are people in need. You need to find a way to help them. You, as a Christ follower, have received, no matter how small or large, and now it is your turn to give back.
Doing doesn't mean only a physical act. Spending time with people and sharing the Grace of Christ is serving in itself.
Can you hear the twittering and flapping? Are you following the call, feasting on what you have been given, and then have you given back?