Obedience is Rewarding

People walk their dogs in a variety of ways. I am amused to see the dog leading, with his master pulling on the leash behind. Hmm, who’s walking whom here? Some dogs walk faithfully with their owner, unless something more interesting crosses their path, like a rabbit; then off they run with the person hanging onto the leash. Other dogs are obedient, only, as long as, they are constrained.

Dogs which walk beside their owners without a leash are a joy to see. They don’t run off without permission. When their human stops to visit with a friend, they sit quietly. The dogs pay attention to their master’s desires and then follow without complaining. If they are given permission to run and check out something interesting, they go and then willingly come back when called. They enjoy being with the human and serve eagerly. This pet qualifies for man’s best friend.

At times, my behavior has been like some of the doggy descriptions. I’ve run ahead of God hoping He would follow. I’ve been distracted and took off, not even considering whether God wanted me to go that way. I didn’t want to be constrained. I’ve yapped when I should have been quiet. I didn’t pay attention to directions.

The above actions caused conflict and disappointment in my life. Finally, I’ve learned that happiness comes by choosing to behave like the last dog I described, the one who stays close to and obeys his master willingly.

Obedience brings contentment.

But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.” 1 Samuel 15:22

[endif]-- Helen L. Hoover![endif]--