Yesterday, as part of our evening ritual, my dogs and I went out to fetch ball in the yard. One was fetching and the other two were keeping watch. While I observed their interaction, it occurred to me that they could not be more dissimilar. The strongest and biggest one thinks she is a cow. She loves vegetables and deer, follows them into the woods, and poses no threat to them whatsoever. The supposedly alpha is more of an omega, scrounging for game in the yard and coming up with dead birds. And then there is the one who loves the ball more than food. However dissimilar they may be, they are the pack, and each one has their place: the Alpha, the Beta, and the Cow.
They behave as though they understand each other, a dog protocol that seems to work well for them. They are eager to socialize after a long restful sleep, sniffing each other in an exuberant show of greeting. They play well together and have boundaries that are mostly respected. They ward off perceived danger as a pack and run toward friendlies with gusto and wagging tails. They appear to care for each other, not wanting the others to get into trouble. They are good at sharing. However, when it comes to their humans, they do not like to share and vie for attention, mowing each other down to get closer to their favorite human.
If you love dogs, this is a pleasant sight to see. I love dogs, so when I equate them to humans it is a compliment. I think we as a Christian community, the bride of Christ, should be like a pack of dogs. The kind I described. Embracing the Alpha, the Beta, and the Cow.
“For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.”
-Romans 12:4-5
A few years ago, I came across a sermon by John Lovell, and one of the side notes was to find a tribe. I took that seriously, because for obvious reasons, I am more of a dog lover than a human lover. If Jesus were not going to be disappointed in me, I would have made no effort to see the amazing goodness in my fellow human beings. So when I heard that I should make an effort to find my tribe, I hopped to it. No regrets. I have the best tribe in the whole wide world. A pack of godly women who love the Lord and are stellar representations of the Proverbs 31 woman.
So I urge you to find your tribe. I hope you can benefit from this simple side note from a John Lovell sermon that changed my Christian walk significantly and enabled me to live out the second commandment as best as a mere mortal like me can.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
-John 13:34-35
Dear God,
Thank You for opening my eyes to the importance of a tribe that is helping me grow more in love with You and be obedient to You. Thank You for enriching my life and providing me new experiences. May I glorify You through all that You teach me. I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.