I could write a book about my dogs, but a blog will have to suffice for today. Yesterday was eventful. My Australian Cattle dog decided to veer away from me and get into something, as he always does. But when he hears my voice, he comes running back. Same as always, he wandered off and I called him. After a momentary hesitation, he came running back to me with something in his mouth.
Feet of a bird were sticking out of his mouth. Confusion ensued: lots of screaming on my part, the rest of the dogs running around in circles not wanting to see me mad, and my Australian wanting to obey but torn between spitting the bird out and inching away from me. Against every instinct in my body, I started to pry his mouth open. His teeth were clenched and then, gulp. The bird was gone. He looked up at me with those eyes that would normally get him out of any trouble. He was willing to endure a world of pain for that tasty little morsel.
This dog has a strong will. He wants to be obedient but simply cannot help himself. With positive reinforcement alone, he will find clever ways to get the treat while still doing things his way. The only thing that works consistently is keeping him close to my side, with either the hope of a reward or the awareness that I am watching. When he wanders off, he does not just get into mischief. He gets into the kind of trouble that could get him killed. Paul understands my Australian.
“For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.”
-Galatians 5:17
Contrast him with my German Shepherd. She never wanders off. She wants to be by my side always, watching for me whenever I am far away. She runs to me the moment she thinks I am walking away, and nearly works herself into a panic when she suspects I am trapped inside the big bad car. That is how she stays out of trouble. Her desire to be with me outweighs her desire to wander off and indulge in what is forbidden.
I want to be like my German, but I am like my Australian. I know that without the watchful eyes of my Lord and Savior, I will get myself in a world of trouble, but I do not have that overpowering faithfulness and pure love. I pray that someday my love for the Lord overcomes every other desire of this world.
“O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!“
-Romans 7:24-25
Dear God,
Teach me to be Your faithful and good servant. Grant me the willingness to always be in Your presence and never stray from your protection. I pray in Jesus’ precious name. Amen.