Dog Training!

As many of you know, back in October Kim and I got a new dog, Sadie.  She has been a very good dog, but not without some concerns on our part. She is very smart but can also become very independent. So, early on I took Sadie for some training sessions at our local SPCA. Most recently, I’ve been working with a private trainer. Our goal has been to get Sadie to walk with us better, staying closer to our side and less distracted by what’s around her, and to respond more consistently to the times when we call her to come to us—i.e. her “recall.”

Although I’ve had dogs before, I had never been through a training routine with any of them. Well, I’ve quickly learned that training a dog is a lot of work, persistence, and perseverance on my part. But, the purpose behind it all is not just that we can say we have an obedient dog, but for her wellbeing and protection. After all, it is our job to keep her from being hit by a car, or running off and getting lost, or eating something that would harm her. And, we do want our walks to be times of pleasure rather than a fight as to which direction to go. We might say, for the same reasons we train and discipline our children, one trains and disciplines their dog: it’s ultimately for their own wellbeing. 

Sadie and I out for a walk!

The Bible talks about how God works in our lives to train and discipline us. Can you imagine what a task that is? After all, none of us just naturally gives into the training. In our heads we may realize that God knows what is best for us, but by nature we tend to just do our own thing and go our own way. Thankfully, God persists and perseveres with us. By means of his Word and Spirit, God is constantly at work in our lives to teach us how to live and show us the way we ought to go. And, when we begin to veer away from his ways—i.e. that which is ultimately best for us—God, our loving heavenly Father, will bring about the correction and discipline we need, often through the circumstances he allows into our lives.  

The writer of Hebrews says, “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. ” He then goes on to say, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:7, 11 – NIV)

Yes, sometimes the difficulties and hardships that come into our lives are God’s way of bringing discipline and training into our lives. They are a sign of God’s incredible love for us; he is showing us that he is our Father and we are his children. As the psalmist put it, “Blessed is the one you discipline, Lord, the one you teach from your law….” (Psalm 94:12 – NIV)

So, if today you find yourself facing some difficult moments, it just might be that God is at work in your life to lead you into the “righteousness and peace” that he desires you to know. Be encouraged to know that, he is treating you like a father treats a child whom he deeply loves.

Have a great day.

Pastor Harris