"Of Dogs and Cats"

“Of Dogs and Cats”

 

During our 47 years of married life Karen and I have had twelve cats. Two have been long-term housemates (we had to put them down at ages 22 and 19) but we had others for very short times for various reasons. Karen grew up with cats in her home but the family never had a dog (she didn’t know until well into adulthood that her mother was afraid of them). Conversely, except for two short-tenured canines I never had either in my youth (something about my brother and I not taking care of them too well). Interestingly, both our kids and their families have menageries of four-footed creatures (and Kristie and Jay even raise goats). Many retirees in our community have dogs and/or cats which they dearly love and provide great company for them.

Dogs and cats are very different. Some wag has said dogs have masters while cats have staff. Another put it this way: A dog says, “You feed me, brush me, love me—you must be God” while a cat maintains, “You feed me, brush me, love me—I must be God.” One of the unexplainable wonders of the animal kingdom!

While preparing a message some years ago I did a word study of worship. I found that the word most commonly translated is a Greek compound literally meaning “dog beside” with a dog licking its master’s or mistress’s hand as a picture of adoration. It was used in ancient society to refer to prostrating oneself before one who was greater (as in Acts 10:25-26 when Peter refused to accept this recognition from Cornelius). When I learned this the thrust of the sermon changed to our showing reverence for who God is.

This presents me with an uncomfortable question: Am I a dog or cat believer? Am I more interested in showing my love for Him or His showing love for me? In my serving Him or do I expect Him to serve me? “What does the Scripture say?” (Romans 4:3). “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37) and “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.” (Matthew 4:10). But remember John 3:16:  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son….” That’s what we respond to in love and service.

Dogs and cats can’t change their basic nature any more than a leopard can change its spots (Jeremiah 13:23). But in each of us is the wherewithal to change our approach to God. Jesus says that I can (“…Unless you change….”—Matthew 18:3)—the question is, will I? Will you?

 

Blessings!

Jim McMillan