ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
July 25, 2025
On the BBC’s website is a story about a fossil of the terror birds some 13 million years ago. This bird clearly lived up to its name as one of the top predators, standing at nearly 8 feet tall, with a beak that ripped flesh from any animal. What captured the attention of scientists were some bite marks on the leg bone of the terror bird that appeared to have come from a large crocodile-like reptile. It too was one of the top predators, and the scientists surmise that these teeth marks were a sign of a battle to the death. I am fascinated by stories like this, but also found it interesting how these two creatures were considered, in that moment of Earth history, to be the most powerful animals on the planet. Yet today, as the article pointed out, they are both extinct. How often do we think of something as being the strongest and best, and we cannot imagine it ever stumbling from its place at the top? Yet in the case of these two creatures, not only did they drop from the top spot, they dropped out of existence. Not to oversimplify, but think about Sears, Blockbuster, or Kodak. Not only were they household names, but many believed they’d never fall from their place at the top. Not only did they fall, they’ve basically fallen out of existence (there are a few fossils still around). As people of faith, striving toward greater Christ-like living requires an attitude that is rarely found at the top. It is humility. Now I’m not suggesting humility would have saved the terror bird, but I’m afraid the church might fall out of existence if it doesn’t include a bit more humility.
As I continue to try to be the best version of myself, Holy and Loving Maker of All, I seek to know and grow in my capacity for humility. Amen.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg8d2j195yo
