“Getting Your Ducks In A Row”
You’ve heard the expression, “You’d better get your ducks in a row,” meaning you best get your priorities straight. Or someone says, “I’m trying to get my ducks in a row,” meaning I’m trying to get things together in my life. What does this expression mean and where did it come from? I’m not sure of the origination of the term, but it is taken from the lesson of the flying ducks or geese that line up for maximum flying potential in “V” formation. You’ve seen them overhead, no doubt.
There is a lead bird, which is working the hardest and the remaining birds off to either side enjoy an easier flight but make sure to make enough noise as to “encourage” the one “pulling” the pack. Canadian Geese are the most famous for flying in a “V” formation. A noted scientist on this subject says, "The lead bird is creating a turbulence wave that actually assists the birds behind it. The further back you are in the formation, the less energy you need in the flight.”
So what does that have to do with “getting your ducks in a row” and making sure you have your priorities straight?
Jesus had this to say about which duck should be in the lead…
Matthew 6:31-34 (ESV) 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
In the case of getting our ducks in a row for an easier flight, Jesus is recommending making God and His will our priority and everything else will fall into place by the power generated from the “V” formation.
Too many times we are stopped by the worries of tomorrow or other things that have become a priority instead of allowing the lead bird, God’s good and perfect will to do the job. In the case of getting our ducks in a row, it’s a job to constantly stay in tune to Him to enjoy His good and perfect will.
Romans 12:1-2 (ESV) 1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Please notice, God’s will is not “hard labor” – rather “pleasing and perfect.”
No wonder Jesus recommends we live by the power of the “V” by seeking and doing God’s will as the lead bird of the formation, so everything else can fall into place.
Godspeed,
Bob Brubaker
Bob is the pastor of Christ Community Presbyterian Church, Clearwater, Florida. See www.ccpconline.org for church information and listen to Bob’s latest sermons.
