We are pet people. Throughout our marriage we have had dogs, usually at least 2! Then one day I was lamenting about not having had a sweet little kitty since childhood (and if you knew my mom you'd know how brief a span that was!) and the next thing I knew we were standing in a friend's living room where a tiny little black furball had just adopted my husband. Right away, our 75 pound dog found out who was in charge. It is often quoted that cats were once worshipped as gods in Egypt & they have never relinquished that title. One barely audible hiss followed by a hit-but-miss swipe and from that day on the kitty got a wide berth! This tiny little creature ruled the house & continues to rule to this day, although he is a bit more formidable now that he's over 20 pounds! No matter what other creatures may come and go, human or otherwise, his singular focus never changes...he makes sure he has total access to all things & can be comfortable! Closed doors are out of the question and if you want it "kitty safe" you'd better put it behind cupboard doors or high up without climbable access.
Our Golden Retriever, however, is just the opposite. He could easily scale the baby gates we secure him behind but never tries. He is content just to be where you are, lay at your feet (or in your lap if you'll let him) & follow you around. He isn't a bit possessive, letting the cat eat from his dish at will, and welcoming "intruders" with frantic tail wagging & not so much as a bark (which makes him a miserable excuse for a watchdog!). He loves attention but isn't intrusive about it, & even other dogs are ok if they don't cause a fuss. His enthusiasm in greeting other creatures has at times caused him a few problems, like when he thought a skunk was another "cat friend", and we had to introduce him gently to the folks' wolf but these setbacks were quickly forgotten & he has always remained an easy-going, good natured member of the family!
Now don't go all religious and get offended, but as I was watching our pets yesterday I was struck by how much their behaviors mirror that of many Christians...(note that I said Many and not ALL)! Some Christians are very exclusive and prideful about their "position" thinking that somehow they have earned God's affection & favor. They stay watchful but aloof until they have a need or want to be center of attention and then they are right there. They can be very affectionate, "purring" loudly & allowing you to give them attention, but when they're over it, they're gone. God is akin to their personal assistant - meeting needs, answering prayers, opening & closing doors - but He is noticed more for His doings than His Being! New attendees are immediately taken note of and are ok as long as they don't disrupt the status quo or demand a change or realignment of position. Then the "fur" flies...toes get stepped on and claws come out, literally! Most of the time, these are the Christians who have been saved since childhood or come from "Christian" homes. They know the drill, have the language down, & often have attained position through longevity rather than gifting. You all know who I'm talking about! Don't dare sit in "their" pew or try to insert yourself into one of their domains, even if all you want to do is help!! Some refer to them as pillars, which they can be if their hearts are right, but often they are just rigid signposts, intent on directing & controlling the actions of everyone else in the church, including the pastors!
On the opposite side of the coin is a person who has "Retriever-like" qualities! They are loyal, always right there to support or encourage, and never try to weigh out your intentions. They wait eagerly for assignments & are content to sit for hours just to listen and to be taught. Their agenda is simply to show love to others & be part of the family. They gladly share anything they have or any talent they possesses without hesitation and don't fight for position, even though they may have more training or education than the one in the position. After a brief introduction, they welcome others into "their" church home and easily adapt to changes in routine or environment, including the addition of others to "their" ministry. Exuberance sometimes gets them in trouble...they don't always think things through in their haste to get things done and often make messes that the more mature person would never make, but they are sincerely sorry afterwards & quickly try to make amends, if to do nothing more than apologize. Newer Christians are often like this - excited, always trying to serve and learn, always waiting and wanting to do more! They can make mistakes, in judgment and in execution, & are often criticized by the "seasoned" believers, but their hearts are usually right & more often than not they quickly repent. Their foremost desire is just to sit at their Master's feet and do His bidding. They're just happy to be there!
Well, there you have it. Although I see the good and bad of both our pets, I love them both & our household would not be the same without each of them. As far as the analogy goes, I want to be focused, mature, and unswerving in my intentions to use my gifts & talents regardless of others' criticisms or challenges. I want to be mindful of my position in Christ, never using it as a club but as a beacon. I want to open closed doors and not allow obstacles to derail my calling. I want to be faithful as a pillar, so that others can count on me to complete tasks and fulfill assignments with excellence & efficiency. And I want to always go to God with my needs, desires, & challenges. On the other hand, I want to always keep a singular focus, not on my comfort, but on my purpose of service to God and worship of God. I want to easily and graciously accept others into the family, and adjust my position and attitudes accordingly. I don't want to be territorial or possessive - none of it is really mine anyway! I want others to overlook my mistakes and mix mentoring with praise for effort, rather than criticize! I want to have the good characteristics of each, while minimizing the faults!!!
So there you have it - the practical illustration provided by our family pets with the thought-provoking look at ourselves in their mirror. Take what applies and just smile over the rest. It was just a momentary & personal insight, and you'd have to know our pets to see how really valid the analogy is!!
Blessings!
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