"The Canine Classroom"

“The Canine Classroom”

In our present community many residents have dogs which they walk through the streets. We have a leash ordinance so the owners keep them in check. Such wasn’t the case in my growing up years on Long Island—most canines either were tightly restricted or ran loose. Four in particular have remained on my mind for 60+ years.

One small dog was tied to a stake by a rope about ten feet long. He/she was rather hyper and would run at passersby only to be jerked back. Another mid-sized one a couple of houses away from ours was kept in a pen and ran in circles all day (a rut was worn at the fence’s edge). A third larger who-knows-what breed roamed the neighborhood chasing cars, scaring children, tipping over trash cans and leaving evidence of his presence on various lawns. Then there was a puppy across the street which belonged to a family with a large (by Long Island standards) fenced-in yard in which he/she happily cavorted. I rarely saw people walking their pets as I do now—most fit into one of the above categories.

These four canines picture ways we can live as God’s people. As with Dogs #1 and #2 we can be so restricted by the rules and opinions of others that we become reluctant to act lest we be looked down upon (this can be referred to as legalism). The opposite extreme (sometimes called license) is represented by Dog #3 with no barriers or guidelines which can bring many pitfalls. (This one eventually disappeared under unknown circumstances.) Then there was Dog #4. This small creature had the time of its life and may not have realized that he/she was restricted because the parameters were so broad (this is what the Scriptures mean by liberty).

Paul wrote, “Stand fast…in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1, NKJV, emphasis added). But in order that their deliverance from legalism didn’t become license he went on to say, “…You have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (Verse 13, NKJV, emphasis added). We’re further cautioned to exercise liberty to build others up (Romans 14:19), consider others’ interests (Philippians 2:4), not cause vulnerable believers to stumble (1 Corinthians 8:9) or as a “justification” for sin (1 Peter 2:16). As we use our liberty in Jesus responsibly we honor Him and open doors to touch others with His love and grace.

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

(For another example of animal teachers see the recent posting “Professor Gus”)