“C’mon, girl, let’s go for a walk,” I beckoned to the tail-wagging Labrador Retriever.
After I clipped the short leash to her collar, I walked off, expecting her to follow. Quickly, I realized there was no dog on the other end. Buddi had tucked her head and slipped out of her collar.
“Hmmm.” I put the collar back on, with the leash still clipped on. As I again tried to take her for a walk, she firmly sat, refusing to go.
Her tail wagged seriously. She apparently wanted to roam the walking path, but did not want to be hooked to the restricting tether. Buddi wanted to run wherever she wanted to go in the woods.
Then we had the master to dog talk. “Listen, Buddi, I see you want to go out,” her tail wagged in agreement, “but you must be on the leash. You don’t understand what could happen out there without my protection. Why a snake could strike you as you curiously inspect a slithering reptile that you have never seen before. Or you could walk in some tall weeds and pick up a load of ticks. If you go to the wrong place, you just might get sprayed by Mr. Skunk near the grapes. Buddi, this leash is for your protection. I can guide you safely as we walk if you would trust me to lead you.”
Folks, and even Christians, are much like the rebellious dog. They do not want anyone telling them what to do, especially God. Why? They believe his commandments will dampen their style, although most have never read about His will and way found in the Bible. Many see God’s commandments as a leash limiting their freedom and “fun.”
What little they know about God’s requirements may have been heard from an unreliable source. Often, they may have heard part of His Word or never stopped to consider the context of the Bible verse. Quickly, they jump to a conclusion that is not biblical. Even if they hear a clear biblical commandment, they still will not obey their Creator.
Most people are naturally rebellious to anyone telling them what to do. Many give little credence to certain laws, what parents say, school rules, employer’s requirements, and anyone else that hampers their doing their own “thing.”
However, God is not like anyone else. He created man. He knows humanity’s limitations, what lurks unseen in their lives that will hurt them, and what will help them. The watch care offered by our Maker is for our good.
God’s “leash” is not meant to be burdensome. His guiding help is from an all-seeing and knowing God who wants to keep us safe and help us. Our aimless, often temptation-led life can lead us to harm. He loves us more than we can imagine and wants the best for us.
Follow God’s will and way for a productive and better life. Lose the rebellious attitude and obey the One that only desires what will help and bless you!
