While hiking in Scotland, I heard “cuckoo-cuckoo!” I thought I was back in Pennsylvania listening to our German-made cuckoo clock at the top of the hour. Later, I asked my hostess if I was hearing things and she said no, but it was rare to be able to hear these birds. They only hang around for a month or two before flying away to South Africa.

Of course I had to find out more about this bird! “Cuckoo birds famously trick other birds into raising their young. They’re able to change their feather’s coloring to maximize their odds of sneaking into another bird’s nest.” There was a picture of a large baby cuckoo bird in a tiny warbler’s nest. Its body barely fit the tiny space; making me chuckle.

This cuckolding behavior reminds me of the lies Satan tells humans. He comes disguised as an “angel of light,” and is cunningly gifted at what he does. Paul writes about him in his 2nd letter to the Corinthians: But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. (vs 11:14)

Heavenly Father, please grant us wisdom to test the spirits and see if they are from You. I’ve been fooled more than once. But, You never let me get too far off the path. You continue to speak Truth and Life into my mind and heart through Your Word and the Holy Spirit. Help me to be authentic and transparent in my life, not worrying about “fitting in” with other people’s beliefs (or nests). Amen.

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1