Do you have a pet? God sometimes uses pets to teach us good lessons. This story gives us some good examples.
Greg had always wanted a dog, but his parents had never thought it was wise to have one because they lived in the city. But one day after Greg had grown to be a young man and had gone away to school, he came home for the summer and brought a black and white puppy with him.
Even though the puppy was very cute and cuddly, Greg’s mother, Mrs. Paget, said to him, “You know we can’t keep him.”
Greg answered, “Yes, I know, but I’m sure Uncle Russell will take him on his farm. I’ll just go and visit him sometimes.”
Greg’s mother said she was certain Uncle Russell would not want another dog since he already had a nice big farm dog named King. But Greg said, “I’ll ask him anyway.”
Several days went by before his mother asked Greg, “What did Uncle Russell say about taking Springer?”
By then Greg had given him the name “Springer.” It seemed to fit him because he moved quickly. It was as if he were springing into action to obey.
“Well,” Greg said, “I haven’t asked him yet.” (He was beginning to love the dog by now, and he didn’t want to give him away.)
A few more days went by before Greg’s mother asked him again if Uncle Russell had agreed to take Springer. But she got the same answer. And Greg added, “Someone will want him.”
By this time Greg wasn’t the only one who thought Springer was a special dog. Greg’s parents were becoming so fond of Springer that the question of a new home for him never came up again.
You see, a dog can show a great deal of love for those who care for him. This makes me think of a much greater love. The Lord Jesus loved and cared so much for us that He came into the world and went to the cross and died for us when we were His enemies. He did that so that those who take Him as their Savior may one day live with Him in His home in heaven. Have you accepted His love and taken Him as your very own Savior?
Now that Springer had become part of the Paget family, he had to be trained. He quickly learned that he was not allowed in the living and dining rooms where there was carpet on the floor. He would come into the house, run through the utility room, the kitchen, the breakfast nook, then into the large front entry hall. But he always stopped at the carpet and just sat there.
The family never saw Springer disobey that rule. Wouldn’t it be nice if Christian boys and girls would be that obedient to their parents? The Bible, God’s Word, says: “Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord” (Colossians 3:2020Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. (Colossians 3:20)).
Springer showed his love for the family in another way. Grandma, who was 85 years old, lived with them, and she took a walk every day using her cane. Springer, who had been taught to stay at home, would sit on the front porch until Grandma returned. After her short walk, once in a while she decided to go a little farther. She would go on past the house for a block or two, and then return. But Springer always seemed uneasy about that. He seemed to think that Grandma had forgotten where her home was, and he would always bark a few times as she went past the house. It seemed he wanted to warn the family to go see about her.
Like Springer, children can be kind and careful of older people, as well as younger brothers and sisters. Another Bible verse reminds us, “By love serve one another” (Galatians 5:1313For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. (Galatians 5:13)).
There is one more lesson we can learn from Springer. Mr. Paget sometimes worked at his workbench in the basement. At those times, Springer loved to be right beside him. He was curious, and he would get his head right down to where the saw or hammer was being used. One day he got a little too close, and as Mr. Paget’s hammer came back up, it smacked poor Springer in the nose. Springer gave only a little yelp even though it was a pretty hard smack. Before Mr. Paget could even give him a pat to assure him it was an accident, Springer was licking his hand. He seemed to be telling Mr. Paget, “It’s okay, I know you didn’t mean to do that.” That was quick forgiveness!
The Lord Jesus wants us to show forgiveness to those who hurt us, too, because He has forgiven us so much. The Bible says: “Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:3232And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32)). Do you know God’s forgiveness?
Messages of God’s Love 12/22//2024