“Taking Flight Part 7: Seeking Alternative Fuel"

“Taking Flight Part 7: Seeking Alternative Fuel" 

By: Pastor Andy Whaley



This week’s focus is on the importance of re-defining the foundation of our metrics – the system on which we base, and by which measure our faithfulness/success in following Jesus.  This wraps up a seven-week series on what it means to take flight in our faith, and have radical impact in our world.  Our conversation begins by taking a look at the striking foundational differences upon which the kingdom of God and the kingdom of men are built, as we reflect on a modern day parable.

“The kingdom of God is heavenly in origin and eternal in nature. 

The kingdom of men is earthly in origin and temporal in nature.”

 “The Parable of the Skylark”

One day, a young skylark flew in joyous loops about the sky. As he swooped near the earth, he heard a merchant’s cry, “Worms! Worms! Delicious Worms for feathers!” The skylark circled about, hungry at the mention of worms, but puzzled by the offer.  Cautiously the skylark landed nearby. “Come here, my little friend. See what lovely worms I have!” said the merchant, while motioning the little bird closer.

The skylark, aware that he was, indeed, quite hungry noticed that these worms looked bigger and tastier than any he had ever dug for himself – a task that was both time-consuming, and difficult.  The merchant repeated his offer,

“Two worms for just one feather, my friend. Two for merely one.”

The skylark was unable to resist such a sweet deal, thinking to himself, “I have so many feathers and such little time.” So, with a swift painful tug at his wing, he plucked one small feather, dropped it into the merchant’s hand, and said, “Two, please.”  The merchant replied, “Take your pick…any two your heart desires!”

Never before had the young bird tasted such wonderful worms. With a loud chirp, he leapt into the air and resumed his joyful flight.  As the merchant went on his way, the skylark began to feel a little guilty, but he enjoyed the feast, and was pleased to find afterwards that no one noticed the missing feather.

The next day he flew with his father. “My son,” said the old skylark, as they rose higher and higher, far above the tops of the tallest trees in the forest. “I believe we skylarks should be the happiest of birds. We have such brave wings, such beautiful feathers.  See how they lift us high into they sky.” “Ye-es,” said the young bird, hesitantly.

But day after day the young skylark descended. The merchant always ready with wonderful worms to offer. Until one day, after eating his fill, the skylark leapt again into the air – and to his horror, fell to the ground with a thud, unable to fly.

At once with sudden shock He realized what had happened. From eating the delicious worms He had grown too fat. From plucking his own feathers, his brave wings had grown bald.  Horrified, he remembered, how, slowly, imperceptibly, it had been getting harder and harder to fly.  Each day as he descended, he had told himself it was no matter. He could always stop before it was too late. Now suddenly, he was, trapped on the ground. The young skylark looked up and saw the merchant glaring at him, a small, sly grin creeping across his face. The merchant grabbed the helpless bird, put him in a cage, and walked away laughing.¹

“When men hope only in temporal values, they are left without moral absolutes; without a sense of the fear of God; or willingness to yield to His control.

Thus Godly living is forsaken for the ways of men.”

Carl Wilson, author

(“With Christ in the School of Disciple Building”)

“Seeking Alternative Fuel”

There is great truth to the saying, “what ya’ aim for is usually what you’ll hit.”  Meaning that when we set our sights on a particular target – we should not be too surprised that when we pull the trigger, we actually hit it.  If our sights our set on earthly, temporal measurements designed in the halls of the kingdom of men (membership numbers, budgets, buildings, styles of worship, programs, etc…) as the metric for our faithfulness and success as God’s Children of Salt and Light here on earth, then we should not be surprised when we shoot, we hit those targets and find ourselves somewhere down the road, fat, bald, and trying to pick the worm dirt out of our teeth!  However, if we set our sights on heavenly measurements that have eternal significance today created by YHWH in the halls of the kingdom of heaven, we will be overjoyed as we soar to the highest of heights with brave wings of faith covered in beautiful feathers lifted by the gifts of the Holy Spirit that radically impact the lives of those around us!

In stark contrast to the merchant and the worms, Jesus forever reigns as the true king of faithfulness constantly offering His, “supernatural life to the fullest” (John 10:10) in exchange for our sin, sickness, and death.  Here, Jesus introduces a new metric by which to measure our faithfulness – our success – namely, a quality of life that only He can provide, filling people in abundance! He calls us to this abundant way of life in three key contrasting ways to the kingdom of men:

1.)  Quality Discipleship versus quantity & membership.  Jesus was never overly interested in numbers.  However, He was passionately at work to draw people closer to Himself to teach them His Way of Life.  For Jesus, deep, consistent, honest, growing integrity of our faith walk is of first importance:

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness,

and all these things will be given to you as well.” – (Matthew 6:33)

2.)  Compassionate Relationships versus budgets & buildings.  Jesus changed the metric by which His disciples were to conduct themselves in the world, and proclaimed that compassionate generosity would be a significant mark and sign; the identity of His church on earth:

“But I tell you; love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” – (Matthew 5:44-45a)

3.)  Storied Lives versus styles & programs.  Jesus wrote His life story into our hearts.  He has transformed us into His storied people.  He still calls us to lead chaste lives that openly, transparently speak the story of our confession and absolution! 

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” – (I Peter 3:15)

But if you just want the bottom line:  The Jesus metric is the incarnation!

His transformational presence in and at work through people’s lives!

John 1:14

- Andy

[1] (“The Parable of the Skylark”, by Jeffery Satinover, & “The Bargain of the Skylark” by G.H. Charnley)