What Biblical Principles Can We Learn From A Dog?
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles
What biblical principles can we learn from a dog you ask? Those of us who are dog “lovers” (my wife and I have a miniature dachshund), will tell you that there are several Bible principles we can learn from our canine companions by the characteristics they display toward us humans.
In this article, let us look at ten characteristics of the common dog and see what biblical principles we can learn from them.
1) Dogs Are Faithful
There have been dogs that have been physically (and mentally) abused and mistreated, yet remain faithful to their masters. We as Christians have a Master that we must be faithful to even though there will be times when we will (as the dog) have to endure physical or mental abuse from our fellow man.
Our Master indicated such when He said, “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 10:22). Christ states through the beloved John that we will have to endure trials and tribulations but if we are “faithful unto death”, our Master will give us “a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). Let us therefore learn from the common dog the biblical principle of faithfulness.
2) Dogs Are Obedient
When young dogs are properly trained, they are fully obedient to the commands their master gives them. In like manner Christians, when properly trained in Bible teaching, should be fully obedient to the commands of the Master (John 14:15; John 15:10,14; 1 John 1:3-5; 1 John 3:22-24).
3) Dogs Are Loving
Dogs are extremely loving even to the point of giving their life in order to save their master’s life. Stories have been repeatedly told of loving dogs giving their lives in rescuing their masters from certain death (i.e., drowning, freezing to death in extreme temperatures, heart attacks, attacks from other animals, violent people, etc.)
As loving servants of Christ, we have to be willing to give up our life (worldly gain and pleasures – Matthew 16:24-25; 1 John 2:15-17) for our Master as well since He was willing to give His life for ours (John 10:11; John 15:13; Romans 5:7-8; Ephesians 5:2; 1 John 3:16). The result of a sacrificial life is an eternal reward (Matthew 16:27; Romans 2:6; 1 Corinthians 3:8; 1 Peter 1:17; Revelation 2:23; Revelation 22:12).
4) Dogs Are Trusting
Dogs trust their masters implicitly! They trust that they will provide for their every need. God’s Word teaches that our heavenly Father (our Master) will provide our every need (Matthew 6:24-34; Philippians 4:19) if we will only trust Him (Hebrews 2:13; cf. Job 13:15; Psalm 18:2; Isaiah 12:2).
5) Dogs Are Helpful
There is a television program called “Animal Planet” that demonstrates how properly trained dogs can help mentally and physically challenged people carry on normal everyday activities.
The Psalmist declares that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1) and because of His help “we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea” (Psalm 46:2).
Because of God’s help in our troubled lives, we should be willing to help others (Acts 2:45; Acts 4:34-35; Philippians 4:3; 2 Corinthians 8).
6) Dogs Are Dependable
Dogs are always there when you need them (unlike human beings!). In like manner, God is always there when we need Him! Our God is dependable! (Genesis 28:15; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5).
7) Dogs Are Protective
When their master is being attacked by an individual or animal bent on doing bodily harm to them, dogs are extremely protective of their master and immediately come to their aid. As faithful followers of our Master (Christ), we should be willing to protect the truth of the gospel at any cost (Acts 4:16-20; Acts 5:27-33; Acts 7:51-60; 1 Timothy 6:1; 2 Timothy 1:13; Titus 1:9; Jude 1:3).
8) Dogs Are Friendly
Dogs are usually friendly toward all people unless trained otherwise. They display a “friendly” disposition when we arrive home from work, play with them and certainly when we feed them!
In order for us as Christians to win others for Christ, we must demonstrate friendliness toward others. Our Lord was “a friend of publicans and sinners” (Matthew 11:19) because He knew they needed spiritual help and healing from sin (Matthew 9:10-13).
9) Dogs Are Gentle
As dogs usually display the characteristic of gentleness in the demeanor toward their masters, we as Christians should display the same characteristic toward our fellow man (Ephesians 6:5; Titus 3:2; James 3:17; 1 Peter 2:18).
10) Dogs Are Kind
Well trained dogs are usually kind not only to their masters but to their whole human family as well. This author has seen children riding the backs of Great Danes and Saint Bernard dogs without incident.
In fact, these very huge dogs seem to really enjoy carrying children on their backs! As Christians, we are admonished to be kind to our fellow man (Ephesians 4:32) as our Lord (Master) was even to “the unthankful and to the evil” (Luke 6:35).
Conclusion:
Brethren, let us be found striving to possess every characteristic that “man’s best friend” possesses as we have enumerated in this article. If we will incorporate these biblical principles and characteristics into our everyday lives, we will not only win more souls for our Master, but will bring more honor and glory to Him (Matthew 5:14-16; John 15:8; Philippians 1:11).
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