Faith Like a Dog
Yesterday (for me, not necessarily for you), we were planning helping our dog of 10 years to the rainbow bridge. Today, we are mourning our loss. But this isn’t about that. You may have heard the saying “Faith like a child” or remember this passage:
“Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” And he laid his hands on them and went away.” - Matthew 19:13-15 ESV
“At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” - Matthew 18:1-6 ESV
I’ve always believed there is an innocence of little children with complete faith in those they believe in. This faith and love is the gist of these passages. As I look back at the 10 wonderful years we had with our dog (he was a big dog and lived way beyond his expected lifespan), I started considering the innocence, the faith and the utter joy he showed us each and every time he saw us. Sure, there were accidents and things that got chewed up and for him, slobbering, but that was nothing compared to the unconditional love he showed us every day.
He also had the habit of rolling on his back in the grass. In our assessment, that also gave him pure joy. Think about it, pure joy from rolling around in the grass or from seeing your master.
Don’t you think that also is what Jesus meant in the above passages? Maybe our beloved pets are another example for us to aspire to in our love and praise of our sovereign God!
“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul!” - Psalm 146:1 ESV
“Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.” - Psalm 111:1 ESV
“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” - Mark 12:30 ESV
“I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.” - Psalm 9:1 ESV
“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” - Revelation 4:11 ESV
We were created in the image of God - not physically but in our soul and we are meant to worship and glorify him with all our heart, mind and soul. It seems like we can look at the faith and love of a small child, or a beloved pet, as an aspiration to work towards.
