Most of you who read this column know that I love dogs. Pudd’n and Foxy both died last year. We now have two new Shih Tzus: Boomer and Sassy. They are 9 months and 2 months old, respectively. This is the first time in my life that I have dogs that are more purebred than I am!
Rudy GrayI am 56 and still learning. Anne and I don’t have grandchildren yet, but we are discovering that having two pups is similar to having two babies. In fact, we are taking an obedience class. I say we, because our trainer is teaching us to train our dogs. She has the more difficult job.
What I am discovering is applicable to the Christian life. For example, some things we think would be good for dogs are not good for dogs. They are not being mistreated when they are left in their crate for a few hours. I always felt like that amounted to doggy abuse. I felt that way because that is how I would feel if I were a dog. Then again, if I were a dog, I would think like a dog and so I wouldn’t feel abused in a nice, cozy, toy-filled, soft-floored crate. How many times have I heard a Christian say, “If I was God, I would -?.” The truth is, if we were God, we would know what God knows, have the power God has, and do what God does. God knows what he’s doing. I know there are times when I am not sure about what I am doing – and there are other times that I am sure I don’t really know what I am doing.
Dogs need training. So do Christians. Dogs need it for their own sakes and in order to obey their masters. Christians need to be trained in the word of God for our good and for the glory and praise of our Heavenly Father.
Dogs show you unconditional acceptance and such positive affection. God says the greatest thing we can ever do in this life is to love him. He makes it clear that he loves us.
Dogs are pack animals. We had Boomer for about five months before we got Sassy. Since we have her now, we have noticed that he is more attentive and loving toward us. We have also noticed how they play together and seem to enjoy life more because they are together. It is like they encourage each other when they are together. Hebrews 10:25 says, “Not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another -?.”
Christians, I believe, can gain insights from all kinds of things in God’s creation. We can see illustrations and applications of his word in things we never imagined.
If you don’t think you can gain wisdom by observing dogs, I would call your attention to just one of many examples. Proverbs 6:6 says, “Go to the ant, O sluggard, observe her ways and be wise.” If you can learn something from an ant, you can learn stuff from a dog!
I told Anne the other day, “I really like these dogs!” I may not always feel it, but I know that God really likes you and me much more than I like my dogs – not because of who we are, but because of who he is.