Lessons Learned from an Ostrich

Lessons Learned from an Ostrich

The old saying that someone is "burying their head in the sand," when they refuse to acknowledge a problem, stems from the popular belief that ostriches do just that when they're frightened or facing danger. The truth is, they really don’t.  The common belief that ostriches stick their head into holes might stem from the sight of an ostrich "laying low" to the ground when it is unable to run away from a predator or some other threat. When attempting to hide in plain sight, an ostrich lies as close as possible to the ground in order to make itself less noticeable.

Ostriches are large, flightless birds that have long legs and a long neck that protrudes from a round body. Ostriches are bigger than any other bird in the world. They can grow up to 9 feet tall and can weigh up to 320 lbs., They are also fast on their legs, and generally can outrun any predator. If an ostrich really buried its head in the sand, thinking that they are safe from danger when doing so (out of sight—out of mind), they would become an easy “lunch” for a predator without ever knowing what happened.  It appears that the ostrich is far smarter than that.

The truth is, the only living creatures on earth that “buries their head in the sand” are people.  While an ostrich will generally respond to God given instinct to flee danger, human beings often attempt to rely on their own intellect.

Let me give you an actual true example of “burying your head in the sand.” A little over a year ago I was driving in a vehicle with someone I know.  I noticed that the red airbag warning light was constantly on.  I pointed that out (and knew from owning an almost identical vehicle) that meant in an accident that one or both airbags would NOT deploy.  That warning light indicated a real and potential danger that needed immediate attention. I strongly advised getting that checked, as that individual was racking up many miles on the Interstate and other driving, increasing the potential of exposure to an accident.  Without the airbags, the chances of suffering serious injury or death dramatically increase. Any passenger that would travel in that vehicle would also be at a higher risk. Now, over a year later, that light is STILL ON and has never been checked!  The irony is that same individual is far more concerned with repairing a dent on the driver’s door.  From my point of view, that person is burying their head in the sand to a real danger, while showing a poor choice of priorities in dealing with something that is only cosmetic.

Often people live their lives believing if they simply stick their head in the sand, the problem will go away.  People believe that everything will always go on as it has, and take no time to prepare for the things that might happen in life, or take the corrective action to fix things in their life that need to be addressed.  When faced with a crisis, they fail to take action, in other words sticking their head in the sand.

The same can be true in our spiritual lives.  When we live our lives doing things that (deep inside) we know are not pleasing to God, and/or openly and without repentance continue in sin, we place ourselves in real danger.  In the real world an ostrich will see danger, and find a rapid path of escape.   Far too often people will bury their head in the sand, and falsely believe that God does not see them, or notice their sin before Him.  The reality is the only one they’re fooling is themselves, and the danger is still very real and present.

In Proverbs 1:7 we find these words: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”  If we truly love and desire to serve our Lord, we would always be wise (wisdom) to strive to keep ourselves out of harm’s way.  However, when we do find ourselves in danger, whether physical or spiritual, our first response should be, like the ostrich, get out of that situation without delay, and not bury our head in the sand.   The good news is this, at those times that we find ourselves in a situation where there seems no escape, we still have the hope that can be found in Jesus Christ.  God can deliver people from problems that no one else can solve. When our situation seems hopeless and helpless, when we are powerless to save ourselves that is when we need a Savior. God is the ultimate Savior. Only He has the solution to our greatest needs.  

Yes, there is a lot we can learn from the ostrich, that in any type of trouble or danger, we should flee to a safe refuge.  Psalm 46:1-3:  “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride.”

Heavenly Father, help us to learn from You how to face the challenges, dangers and shortcomings of our lives. Teach us not to look to our own understanding, but to flee to you for refuge, strength and wisdom. Show us the way to come to you and turn away from our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  Forgive us, and restore us.  For this we ask in your Son’s name, Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Rt. Rev. Robert S. Biermann is a Bishop in the Province of the Holy Spirit-Anglican Rite.  He has been a Church pastor, and church planter.  In his earlier career he was in the broadcast industry, both in on-air and engineering, working in both medium and major markets.  He has built a number of radio stations, and for a many years was a talk show host.

Bishop Biermann now resides in Vero Beach, Florida where he works with a syndicated radio network, and is developing broadcast programming materials for sharing the good news of the gospel for both a domestic and international audience.  ©2014, Bishop Bob’s Blog