Are You a Beaver or an Eagle?

Beavers are known for their ability to chew and destroy a tree. In fact, a single beaver can topple an 8-foot tree in 5 minutes flat! The phrase “busy as a beaver” is spot-on. The dams they build can cause flooding in surrounding areas. These amazing little critters can be masters in the art of demolition as they gather lumber for their lodges.*

Bald eagles are known for their nests. They can be 4-5 feet wide and 2-4 feet high, weighing around 1,000 pounds. A very old next can be much bigger. These amazing animals are experts in terms of construction.*

Construction is all about taking raw materials and building something sturdy and functional. Demolition is breaking down a unit piece by piece until it is no longer usable.

Being a part of a church family gives us the opportunity to be a “beaver” or an “eagle” at any given time. The choice of our words play an important role in building others up or tearing them down.

Most of the time, our words encourage construction. However, without even realizing it, our words can easily cause demolition.

Many things can be said, but should they be said? Sure, your opinion matters but at the cost of tearing someone else down? We must count the cost before we speak.

Paul tried to help the Corinthian church in their struggle for unity. They had many divisions among them.

“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” 1 Corinthians 1:10 (ESV)

Have you ever attended a church where a minor project caused a major conflict?

It doesn’t take much for little disagreements to grow into big problems. I attended a church that actually split over the choice of a stained-glass window in the newly built sanctuary.

No church is made up of perfect people. Even church leaders are not infallible. Therefore, most decisions will not be easy or agreeable to all. We don’t have to be on the same page with every decision, but we are called to a code of conduct promoting peace and mutual edification.

The demise of relationships is fueled by snide remarks, negative words, and unhelpful comments. All of it chips away at unity. There are constructive ways to deal with conflict that do not tear others down.

We are all on God’s team, and we are to work together for His glory. We should conduct ourselves in a positive way that promotes the progress of a common goal.

Let’s shoot for being the eagles and not those pesky beavers.

Prayer: Lord, help my actions to build others up instead of tearing them down. Help me not to fixate on others’ actions but focus on making mine pleasing to You.

Cipollini, B. (n.d.). HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR A BEAVER TO CHEW DOWN A TREE? https://animals.mom.com/long-beaver-chew-down-tree-11371.html

Maxwell, C. (2023, April 13). Bald Eagle Nest: 10 fun facts. AZ Animals. https://a-z-animals.com/blog/bald-eagle-nest-10-fun-facts/