Vultures are very peculiar birds among other birds on earth. They are basically known to love eating dead animals or carcasses. This attitude of theirs makes them very useful in detecting where dead animals that could pose health threats could be located.
Their invasion of an area raises suspicion that something could be wrong. When a person dies somewhere in the bush or unknown location, vultures become very reliable in getting to know of it. They are very uncommon these days, with very rare appearances whenever there is a dead body somewhere.
In spite of these good qualities the vulture has, it is abhorred for an attitude that has become a reference to speak against procrastination.
The vulture is said not to take time to build its nest to serve as a resting place during the raining season but rather gives the excuse of doing it before the next rain comes but never ends up doing it. In effect, the vulture has no resting place or house of its own.
The lifestyle of the vulture is the true depiction of that of many Christians who are not taking time to build their ‘house’ (Christian life) but are rather hopping from one place to another in search of miracles that can be likened to carcass because that is all they think of about Christianity.
It has become very common to see Christians jumping from one prophet or miracle maker to the other in search of breakthrough or miracles. After several trials without success, they begin to look for the next one in town.
As is said in Matthew 24: 28, “For wherever the carcass is, there will the vultures be gathered together”, so is it is with their Christian attitude.
Indeed, this category of Christians know the names of all the prophets in town but can’t even quote one verse in the Bible or even show a lifestyle in line with Christian principles and values.
They are not prepared for the stormy days ahead so are easily swept away by any temptation or challenges that come their way. They are like buildings constructed on sand, instead of a firm rocky foundation. They have no substance in them because they have not taken time to build the inner man on the foundation of the word of God.
Bible says in Matthew 7:26, “And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand.”
The Christian life is like a building that must be constructed with the word of God through constant study and practice. This is the means by which a Christian becomes stronger and ready by the day for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ and also to stand in times of temptation and difficulties.
Much as there is nothing wrong with looking out for the men of God with the gifts to offer solutions to man’s problems, it is unacceptable for Christians to build their lives on such gifts and to see God only through the manifestation of such gifts.
It is indispensable for every Christian to build a firm foundation on the word of God; it is vital for Christians to prepare for eternity and to look beyond the miracles and signs and wonders since they shall not in any way determine their entry into heaven when the Lord comes.
What Christians need today is stability in the inner man that would reflect in the physical. Christians need to build on their knowledge and seek wisdom from God to live a life that is worthy of the calling, instead of relying on only miracles, signs and wonders as a determinant of God being with them.
Isaiah 33:6 indicates that, “And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the Lord is his treasure.”
How much knowledge are Christians gathering and how much wisdom are they seeking from the Lord who gives wisdom liberally.
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraided not, and it shall be given him.” James 1:5.
Knowledge and wisdom can be gained through His word and prayer, as well as constant stay in His presence. They can be gained through a conscious effort to build a strong Christian life that can withstand the darts of the enemy, who is comfortable with miracle-seekers without regard to how strong their inner man is.
Paul’s prayer was, “That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man,” Ephesians 3:16.
The inner man is the house that must be built on the rock to stand tough at all times, irrespective of the challenges and troubles of life. A miracle-dependent life without attempts to strengthen the inner man is a vulture lifestyle that only looks for carcasses without spending time to build the house inside awaiting the rains.
The choice is for the individual to make and to also face the consequences thereof; whatever one sows eventually reaps. Unlike the vulture that manages to overcome the storm, you might not be able to do same when the rain comes with a flood.
Don’t be a vulture Christian; take time to build your inner man or inner house.
By Theodore K. Viwotor
