“Get up, for it is your duty to tell us how to proceed in setting things straight. We are behind you, so be strong and take action.” Ezra 10:4 NLT
Discipline is an integral component of the responsibility of owning a pet. I could cite many reasons, but like most of us, our pets need order in their lives. Discipline helps to establish relational boundaries, expectations, and responses. If this duty is done well at the beginning of the relationship, it will provide satisfaction for both companions throughout a dog’s life.
One of the proofs of a well-trained dog is not how he behaves with his master, but how he behaves around strangers and guests. Famous is great when he says hello to neighbors or strangers on the street. But the guest in our home has to endure nearly two minutes of “greeting” with jumps and friendly sniffs unless I am diligent to give him specific commands. He notices instantly when my attention is directed at our “intruder” instead of him. So he is poorly disciplined in this regard, but his friendly temperament could not be better displayed.
Often we try to display our best piety and sincerity when we are aware of God’s presence. But how do we act each day when He brings guests and strangers into our lives? Are we quick to judge them before discovering God’s Spirit that may abide in them? God has demonstrated how we are to walk this earth–in the footsteps of Jesus.
Christ, thank you for showing me how to greet your world!
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