I think we can learn a lot from dogs.  Especially when it comes to how to treat others.  Dogs are ridiculously loyal.  They get so excited to see you or to see other dogs.  When they go into “new” situations they immediately go low and humble themselves in submission.  As humans we often exhibit the opposite of these behaviors.  Instead of unwavering loyalty we look out for ourselves.  Instead of humbling ourselves we boast and seek to impress others.  We certainly don’t show as much excitement to greet others.  Paul’s instructions in Romans 12 suggest that we could learn a lot from dogs.  Let’s look at it together today.  

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.  Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 

I don’t know about you but I think that often dogs do a better job with this list than we do.  Why is that?  Perhaps we are caught in the trap of looking out for our own interests and needs instead of the needs of others.  Maybe it’s because we have been treated poorly and are trying to “protect” ourselves.  Whatever the reason we need to strive to live a dogs life a little bit better.  Yesterday I was trying to relax and one of my dogs, Willow, wanted attention.  She kept nuzzling up next to me and wagging her tail and wanting to simply be next to me.  I gave her a few pets and told her to go away.  She was unfazed and kept coming back.  Eventually she won the “power struggle” and was content to just lay her head next to me while I watched tv.  I got to thinking about this topic and how often times we treat others like I did Willow.  We give them the minimum and tell them to go away with our words or body language.  Today look for someone you can love well simply by your presence.  Sometime sitting next to someone else is all that they need.

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave