I love animals, always have. My mother didn’t let us have dogs or cats growing up, so I had fish. And although fish are peaceful and beautiful to look at, they just don’t inspire much affection! Although I’m more of a cat person now, I adore dogs. They offer that unconditional love that we all seek from each other.
Just think of what a dog is like: He’s faithful, loyal, always loving and adoring his master. When his master chastises him, the dog is repentant and sad. He never holds a grudge and always wants to please his master. Whenever the master goes, the dog wants to come along, and wherever the master stays, the dog sits by his feet.
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could be like that with Jesus? I believe that’s how we are supposed to behave. Yet I find that so many Christians behave more like cats than dogs. They are aloof, distant from God, forcing Him to move toward them first, rather than running into his arms. They raise their noses and behave as if the world revolves around them. They are picky with the gifts God gives them, sometimes even rejecting them and walking away. If you’ve ever owned a cat, you know what I’m talking about! I can never get my cats to do anything I say. They don’t come when called. They hide when they know I’m looking for them. They sleep half the day and give me only a cursory glance when I walk into the room.
Oh, how horrible to behave that way with God!
Hear the words of Jesus:
If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor (John 12:26 NKJV).
Did you notice that Jesus said that wherever He was, His servants would be also? He didn’t say that wherever His servants were, there He would be also. Yes, yes, Jesus is always with us in the sense that He indwells us. But I’m talking about who’s following whom. How often do we sail out on a certain course without consulting God, without praying and waiting for His answer? Whether it be a new job, a decision about a relationship, school or a trip, we forge ahead and then pray for God to bless it. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve heard, “I’m just hoping God will bless my efforts.”
Are you in His will? Did He lead you to this spot? If so, then of course He’ll bless what you’re doing. If not, I’d be on my knees asking if perhaps I’ve headed out to sea without Jesus as the captain of my ship. And if He’s not the captain, I’d be worried about who is!
And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice (John 10:4 NKJV).
So, I challenge you to analyze your relationship with God. Are you like a cat? Are you indifferent, even unresponsive to God? Do you run and hide when He’s looking for you? Is it all about what God can do for you?
Or are you like a dog, and there is no place you’d rather be than at the feet of your Master?
MaryLu Tyndall