What the Dog Saw

Matthew Gladwell wrote a book about 10 years ago entitled What the Dog Saw. It is a collection of articles that he wrote for The NY Times and basically offers a unique perspective (through the eyes of a dog) on many events that have happened over the prior decade. I thought that it would be appropriate to have a dog theme this week since we have a new addition to the family in Cody.

Dogs have a way of marking chapters in our lives - eras of time in a family that are remembered for the years that they were with us.

As you know, I am a dog lover. There are a number of reasons for that but probably the most significant is that I love the character of dogs. They have many traits that I admire and these same traits also make me think of the character of Christ. There are a few that I would like to highlight. (You will get a chance as well)

Undivided Loyalty - Dogs are incredibly faithful. They may show affection to everyone but they ultimately listen to their master.

Exodus 20:3  “You shall have no other gods before me.”

Teachable/Coachable - Dogs are learners and don’t assume that they already know everything that they need to know.

Proverbs 13:18 Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame,
    but whoever heeds correction is honored.

Desire to Please - Dogs want to be obedient because they aim to please their master.

Matthew 7:24 Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”

Unconditional Love & Great Forgivers - Dogs love us no matter what. We may ignore them, forget to let them out or even feed them but they love us anyway. They “keep no record of wrongs” so that also makes them great forgivers.

 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

I’d love to hear from you with any other Christlike qualities that a dog has. Whoever comes up with the best one by Friday gets a $25 Amazon gift card. Don’t forget to include the supporting Bible verse.

Stay hungry,

Big E