Fence-Post Turtles
I read recently about a fascinating photograph that a well-known author displayed in his office so he could see it daily. The framed picture was quite simple. It was a shot of a turtle sitting on top of a fence post.

Perhaps you're wondering: what's so special about that? What is the significance of a turtle sitting on top of a fence post?

Although it would not be obvious to most, the author valued the photo because it reminded him of a lesson he had learned long ago: "If you see a turtle on a fence post, you know he had some help." Turtles simply do not have the physical ability to scale a fence and come to rest on top of one of the posts. This feat would be impossible for a turtle to accomplish all by itself.

The application for us should be apparent. Whenever great things are being accomplished in our lives, it's easy to start thinking: "Wow, look at me! This is marvelous what I'm doing!" Of course, we would laugh at a turtle who thought such about himself as he enjoyed the view from the top of a fence post. Even if we didn't see how he got there, we would know that he had help. Isn't the same true for each of us? No human is smart enough, strong enough, or beautiful enough to accomplish great things all alone. Everyone has been helped by others countless times, and all have been blessed by the Lord in more ways than we can even imagine!

James 1:17 reminds us - "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning."

It's no accident if you find yourself richly blessed physically or spiritually. The Lord has helped you, and other mortals have helped you to a lesser extent. The wise will endeavor to remember these truths always.

Turtles can, through carelessness, fall into pits all on their own. However, they cannot enjoy the view from the top of a fence post without some significant help first. It is certainly the case that we are more than capable of bringing ourselves down through poor decisions, foolishness, or outright rebellion to the Lord's will. However, none of us can accomplish great things or propel ourselves to positions of power and authority without lots of help from others (especially the Lord)! May we never think more highly of ourselves than we ought to think (Phil. 2:3,4; Rom. 12:16). Friends, it is still true that "pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Prov. 16:18).