04/30/2026
The life of a believer is characterized by a quiet depth that the world struggles to comprehend. A life hidden in the depths is the primary calling of the Christian, much like the burrowing owl that finds security beneath the surface rather than in lofty treetops. Colossians 3:3 reminds us that our life is hid with Christ in God, suggesting that our truest strength is found in the secret place of prayer and the study of the Word. To grow upward, we must first be rooted and grounded in the bedrock of sound doctrine, finding our refuge in the Lord rather than seeking worldly recognition.
As we establish our foundation, we must also maintain the posture of the watchman. The burrowing owl is famous for its sentinel behavior, standing at its home's entrance with eyes fixed to scan for danger. This mirrors the command in 1 Cor. 16:13 to watch and stand fast in the faith. A growing Christian is a watchful Christian, staying sober and vigilant because our adversary wanders about seeking whom he may devour. We are called to stand at the door of our hearts, discerning between good and evil and refusing to be lulled into the spiritual lethargy of a fallen world.
Even while we remain vigilant, we must master the art of walking the earth aimed at heaven. The burrowing owl is uniquely equipped with long legs to navigate the dust, yet it never loses its identity as a creature of flight. This is the perfect parallel for the believer who must walk circumspectly as commanded in Eph. 5:15, treading carefully through this life while keeping a heavenly perspective. We are in the world but not of it, called to maintain a humble walk while recognizing our true citizenship is in heaven.
Finally, the Christian life requires a holy boldness in the face of the foe. Though the burrowing owl is small, it possesses a fierce heart and uses wisdom to protect its territory, reminding us to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves as instructed in Matt. 10:16. We do not rely on our own strength, for God uses the weak things of the world to confound the mighty. By standing firm in the faith, we reflect a steadfast commitment to the truth that sustains us through every season of growth.