I don't know about you but I'd have to say that I'm not a great fan of dogs. This is because I've had some pretty awful experiences with some pretty awful dogs throughout my 18 years in social work. Now I realise that I'm generalising rather harshly and that dogs are largely what humans make them. Nevertheless, I'm not planning to follow the example of so many over these past months and add a dog to my family circle!
Of course I realise that dogs have, quite deservedly, been known for generations as 'Man's Best Friend', such is their capacity to give and attract affection. And yet there's another whose faithful friendship is even more special... One whose love is greater than any other and who promises faithful, everlasting companionship.
BULLMASTIFF
Big and strong, alert and intelligent, the Bullmastiff makes an excellent guard dog. And yet the security many of us need today - to guard us from the likes of anxiety, depression and the pain of broken relationships - goes well beyond anything a dog could provide. We need the unique form of 'protection' that can be ours only through entering into a personal relationship with Almighty God... so we're able to say...
'The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God in whom I take refuge.'
Psalm 18:2
Dog Shows can be very popular with dog lovers, where each animal is rated for how well their appearance conforms to a particular standard. But of course when God 'rates' our lives he uses a different measure altogether...
'People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart'
'...out of the heart (the essential self) come evil thoughts...sexual immorality, theft... slander...'
1 Samuel 16:7 & Romans 5:8
…and sadly, this puts us at odds with our Maker. But thankfully there's a way of escape...
COCKER SPANIEL
At times of earthquake and other natural disasters sniffer dogs play a vital role in search and rescue work. So with its hunting instinct, agility and excellent sense of smell, the Cocker Spaniel really comes into its own. But eternal life-saving is a different matter altogether. In this we must make a positive response to God's unique rescue initiative...
'...God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners,
Christ died for us.'
Romans 5:8
Eternal life won't be forced upon us against our will. We have to turn away from all we know to be wrong and ask the risen Christ Jesus to become our Saviour and Lord.
LABRADOR
Over the years, many a blind person has relied upon a guide dog to provide their 'seeing eyes'. And Labradors are often used in this way due to their temperament and intelligence. Yet when it comes to our own daily living there's no better Person to guide us than Christ Jesus... leading us into a wonderful future of meaning, purpose and fulfilment.
So, if you haven't already done so, why not reach out to Him now, and discover that He is already reaching out to you. He'll prove to be the most faithful friend you could ever have.I don't know about you but I'd have to say that I'm not a great fan of dogs. This is because I've had some pretty awful experiences with some pretty awful dogs throughout my 18 years in social work. Now I realise that I'm generalising rather harshly and that dogs are largely what humans make them. Nevertheless, I'm not planning to follow the example of so many over these past months and add a dog to my family circle!
Of course I realise that dogs have, quite deservedly, been known for generations as 'Man's Best Friend', such is their capacity to give and attract affection. And yet there's another whose faithful friendship is even more special... One whose love is greater than any other and who promises faithful, everlasting companionship.
