07/31/2023
By Pastor Vinnie Cappetta
Buzzing with Wisdom: Lessons from Honeybees on Mentoring in Faith (In Memory of our dear church family member, Jayne Samuda)
Once upon a time, there was a fascinating dance – the honeybee waggle dance! This intricate communication system has been hailed as one of the most complex on our planet. But did you know that this dance isn't something the bees are born with? It's a skill they must learn from their fellow bees. Research has shown that newborn bees, isolated from the mature ones, made more errors when attempting their first waggle dances. It was only when they were reunited with the older bees that they began to improve their moves. However, they never quite grasped how to convey distance accurately, suggesting that observing their elders was crucial for mastering the local dance.
Isn't it intriguing how even bees learn from their elders? In the same way, the Apostle Paul reminds us of the importance of learning from one another in our spiritual journey. He writes, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:9)
Just recently, my family and I stood by the bedside of a precious saint during her final moments on this earth. Though she appeared unconscious, we spoke to her, sang songs, and prayed with her. She had been a devoted member of Crossroads Community Church since before our arrival in 2006. Her life was a testament to her love for the Lord – constantly praying for us, sending thoughtful cards and gifts, and living a life that pleased God.
It's bittersweet to see so many dear souls from our church graduating into glory, but as God says, it is precious in His eyes when one of His saints comes home to be with Him. They have run their race, finished their course, and have kept the faith.
Look around the pews this coming Sunday morning. You'll see imperfect people earnestly striving to follow the Lord. Let's learn from them, just as the bees learn the waggle dance from their elders. Our time on this earth is short compared to eternity, so let's make the most of it.
Who in our church or the greater Christian community serves as an older, wiser mentor to you? Seek their guidance and wisdom, for they have valuable experiences to share.
And on the other hand, consider who among the younger, less mature members you can mentor in their faith journey. God is calling you to pass on what you know about living a life of faith to the next generation. Just like the health of a hive and its fruit production depend on the bees passing on their knowledge, the growth and strength of our spiritual community rely on each of us following the lead of the Holy Spirit and investing in others.
Let's embrace this dance of faith, learning and teaching, as we walk hand in hand towards God's marvelous plan for us. May our church family flourish and thrive, impacting countless lives for His glory.
