More Life Lessons from My Dog

Posted by benwiles in Events on 07 6th, 2008 | 2 responses

Okay, I thought about this when I was in the middle of my sermon this morning at church.  Literally, it hit me while I was talking.  It is another insight gained from my dog, Midnight (see picture in previous post).  We utilize a dog crate with Midnight to kind of help manage her activities at times when it is necessary – hotels, etc.  She has gotten accustomed to being in it, and doesn’t seem to mind because she can still see everything around her (it is a wire crate).  The other day, I put Midnight in her crate, but I didn’t lock the door.  I just pushed it shut and didn’t utilize the latch mechanism.  You want to guess what Midnight did?  Absolutely nothing.  That’s right.  She just sat there when all she would’ve had to do was push on the door with a paw and she would be free! 

I thought this morning how much that is like us.  First of all, as American citizens.  We are blessed to enjoy the freedoms that have been bought and paid for by the sacrifice of men and women on the field of battle, as well as our founding fathers who risked their lives to sign the Declaration of Independence.  Sadly, though, people so often either abuse their freedom or they ignore it’s benefits.  People want to gripe and complain about life and how bad things are for them, when the whole time they are free to be and do more than they are currently being and doing!  They are just like Midnight, sitting trapped in an unlocked crate, not even trying to break out and really live! 

Secondly, as a Christian leader, I can’t ignore the implications for our faith.  We have been made free because of the sacrifice of Christ.  We are free to be and do everything that God has created us to be and do.  We can be free from our addictions, negative habits, relational issues, and all our other hang-ups by the power of God’s Holy Spirit at work in our lives through faith in Christ.  But so many Christians are not living up to what they could become because they can’t accept their freedom.  They are sitting as prisoners in an unlocked cage.

I challenge you to push on the door of your cage.  Start exploring the space in your life.  Exercise your freedom and become everything you can be.  Then begin empowering others to do the same.  As you lead your family or organization, live a lifestyle of freedom and abundance.

  • Jilly-Willy

    Remember when you said to find that thing that bugs you and that is probably where you are called? Well, this is it. I get riled up when I see those who have the right to all the resources of heaven, sitting fearful and scared behind prison walls with gates that have been busted wide open!

  • Crysaly

    I know exactly what you mean by an “unlocked cage” and think that maybe people don’t realize what’s available to them(?) i.e. Hosea 4:6 “God’s people are destroyed for lack of knowledge”….