Words of Life: A Lesson I Learned From My Dog

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because
anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that
he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)

I recently had a retreat with several men at South Texas ranch, where
we spent time ministering in small groups. Betty and I went down
together with our dog Princess, a miniature Dachshund. Princess is
really a hound--she loves to hunt. I wish I could know what her
nose is telling her. She loves to chase rabbits, lizards, mice,
squirrels and anything else she can pursue. She rides in the pickup
truck, staring over the steering wheel just trying to see something
move.

You just say the word "truck" and she jumps and yelps,
anxious to get into the truck, stand in my lap and peer over the
dashboard. She is too cute. Her little eyes peer out the window like
an excited child. When we see a rabbit or squirrel, I often let her
out to chase it, but not this time. We were too busy during the
retreat as I ministered to the men throughout the day.

As we sat around the room, Princess waited politely, quietly and
patiently in the corner, hoping to go hunting later. When I would
leave, she was excited because she thought we were off to hunt--a
real adventure. But I was tired and wanted to spend some time with
Betty, so Princess did not get to hunt. This went on for a couple of
days. On the third day, after spending time with the men and watching
Princess behave so beautifully, I could sense her disappointment. A
little Dachshund can look somewhat like a Bassett Hound when they get
down. They look so sad!

I came in the house and told Betty, "I've got to take
Princess hunting." She said, "James, you're tired
and it's hot outside." I said, "But honey, she has
been so good I have to take her.

Princess had waited so patiently, expressing her excitement and but
never getting what she really wanted. She was a perfect little lady.

I began to think about children who often manipulate their parents to
get what they want. They do some chores, cleaning up their room or
helping in the kitchen, because they want to go somewhere, buy
something, or do something with their friends. Of course, parents may
play along because we want to see our children have fun, but we
understand that there is some manipulation going on.

Princess has begged plenty of times, too, knowing what she wants. But
this particular time, it was totally different. I had to take Princess
out. Why? Because she was just so good.

I felt like God spoke to me very clearly and said, "Remember the
times when you began to notice that your children were just good. They
were doing things well because 'good is good.' They did
things right because 'right is right.' Do you remember how
earnestly you wanted to bless them--to do something special for
them because you knew they were being good not to get something, but
just because it is right to do right?"

I think this is what it means to have God's word "written in our
hearts" and not just carried around in a leatherbound book. As I
thought about it, God touched my heart and seemed to say, "You
know, I saw your children doing this, too, and I've one-upped
you. I've gone way beyond. Look how blessed they are in their
marriages and with their families. They learned to do good not just
because they were Robisons or because they had a ministy family and
everyone expected them to do what was right. They decided to do what
was best because it was best, to do right because it was right. Look
what has happened in their relationships, their choices, their
decisions and their futures."

Sometimes, it seems like it's easier to love a dog than to love
people, but if we can love our pets and our children, how much more
does God love us? We love it when an animal is faithful to us, but God
loves it even more when His people are faithful to Him.

When we do right simply because it's right, our Heavenly Father
will reward us. He is far more faithful than a dog, a child or any
other human. And He rewards us just because He is good and wants to
see us happy.

I took Princess out that afternoon to chase rabbits and she was as
happy as a little dog can be. I shared in her joy, too. And I smiled
as I understood a little more about God's love for us and His
desire to bless us when we live a life of obedience and faithfulness.

This Week
Do right, just because it's right. This pleases God.

Prayer
"Lord, I want to live according to Your will. Thank you for
being faithful beyond my comprehension. Help me to live a life
that's pleasing to You."

By James Robinson
Lifetoday.org