We have a Mockingbird who is the self-appointed guardian of the yard, choosing what birds can enter his territory. He doesn't bother House Sparrows for when they come it is as a gang. There may be ten, or more than twenty. Hummingbirds are acceptable most of the time. He does not like birds more nearly his own size. He cannot stand those who actually move into "his" tree. He hates woodpeckers! Now, our Mocker is a troubled bird, for a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker has taken to the back yard trees. I have watched their war several times as it develops. The Sapsucker flies in and plasters himself to a tree trunk across the yard from the sentinel. The tree he really wants to be in is the Magnolia. That is the same tree the Mocker guards faithfully. When Yellowbelly flies in to THAT tree the battle is on. They chase through the branches then out into the open yard behind us. They dive and dogfight like two aircraft warriors. Finally, it appears the Mocker has won. Sapsucker is no where to be seen.....for awhile......and then he comes again, with virtually the same routine. I kinda' think Sapsucker enjoys it. Not the Mockingbird! He, generally, has a bad attitude. Ask any neighborhood cat.
A conflict like this is not as humorous when it involves people. In this world there are the Mocker kind of folks. They thrive on "keep out" and "do not enter" signs. They are very selective on the ones allowed into their territory. There are also the Sapsuckers. "Your yard is my yard. Your garage belongs to me if I can get in it while you are not looking. What's mine is mine and what's yours is also mine if I can get it." These battles are not so pretty.
What do Christians do in such battles? They are unpredictable, but there are instructions to follow. The Guidebook for such conflicts has this to say:
"I tell you do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you."
What radical ideas! Who in this world came up with those? Well, He isn't here anymore in person, but His teachings are still validated for our times. He is quite interested in how well we do with them. It's okay for the Mocker and Sapsucker to do their thing. We are to live on a higher level.
