So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied. – Acts 9:31

Weaver birds, found primarily in Africa build exquisite nest structures that are a rival to any human feat of engineering. Some of the nests are the largest structures to be built by birds. The tightly woven nests are truly an engineering marvel.

Ever try to weave a basket out of grass or palm fronds? It’s a bit difficult, right? Takes a while to get the hang of it! Well what if you tried to weave a basket using just your mouth and starting out with one piece of grass? It’d be really tough, right? But it’s nothing for the weaverbird!

Nest building begins with a firm foundation. A good nest needs to be attached to a strong branch. The birds have to learn the art of nest building, so the younger birds fly with the older ones to learn how. The birds have to learn how to be adaptable. Construction differs with different types of available material.

Every species has a predator. So the Weaver birds build good defense to keep the enemy at bay, by grouping in colonies. Often multiple pares live in the same nest, each having their own room and entrance.

As I contemplated the nest building of the Weaver bird, I couldn’t help but think of the parallels of kingdom building in the Christian life. Like the Weaver bird, we have to begin with a strong foundation which is rooted in the Word of God, a foundation firmly attached to Jesus.

We must learn from others who have traveled the same path before. We must be adaptable as opportunities can change with the availability of different challenges in kingdom building. Like the Weaver bird, Christians need a good defense to protect us from the enemy and flocking in a community of fellow believers is a good way to do it.

Have a strong foundation in Jesus, be willing to learn from others, be adaptable and build a good defense. Not only sage advice from the Weaver bird, these principles are essential for kingdom building in the body of Christ.