Chanticleer was a rooster—a fine, proud bird that belonged to Andrew. He was very large with a coat of lovely white feathers, long yellow legs and a bright red comb. He strutted in front of the hens and crowed loudly from the tallest post. “Look at me!” he seemed to say. Everyone stayed out of his way, especially the little chicks, but he and Andrew were friends. Andrew kept special snacks for him, and they “understood” each other.
But the other children were afraid of “Chanti.” “Don’t get too close. Chanti will chase and peck you!” they warned. Finally, Mother decided that Chanti must be kept in the chicken yard with the hens.
The children took care of the chickens, feeding them, keeping their nests clean, and bringing in the fresh eggs for Mother.
One afternoon Mother was baking a cake. She went to the refrigerator for an egg, but there were none left. Since the children were in school she knew this meant she would have to get the eggs from the chicken house herself. The only trouble with this was Chanti. Taking her basket, she went to the chicken house and opened the door a crack. There he was, that huffy bird, strutting around like he owned the place! She did not like the idea of getting pecked, but she had to get some eggs. “If only Andrew were here,” she thought. She peeked in again. Chanti was now at the far end of the house where he had hopped onto a box to crow. Quickly, Mother slipped in the door and down against the wall by the nests.
As she reached into a nest, suddenly an explosion of white feathers came rushing at her! Mother grabbed a long board that was lying on the floor and swung it with all her might! (Now, she did not want to hurt Chanti, but he scared her, and besides, she needed the eggs.) The board caught Chanti in midair, and board and rooster landed with a thump in the corner. Mother quickly snatched some eggs and ran out, slamming the door behind her. Then peeking back in she saw poor Chanti unhurt, but quite ruffled, looking around in surprise. His dignity had been badly shaken.
Sometimes, I’m afraid we act like Chanticleer—proud and boasting of what we have or what we can do. We love to have our friends think nice things about us. God tells us in the Bible that “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:2323For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23). Chanti was very surprised to meet with that board, and we are often surprised when God shows us how He sees us—as sinners! But He says, “Come, ye children, hearken unto Me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord." Psalms 34:1111Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord. (Psalm 34:11). What a lovely invitation! The more we learn of the love of God the more we will want to be like Him. Then we will try to do everything for His praise and glory. There will be no more room for pride and boasting.
ML-02/14/1982