I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. (Psalm 119:14-16)
Recently, one of my kids was playing tug with one of our dogs. It helps to explain we have working-line German Shepherd Dogs (The kind used by the military and law enforcement agencies). Typically, these working-line dogs come with intense prey/toy drive. They love chasing balls, sticks, and even human decoys dressed in full-body bite suits. Our dogs aren’t trained for bite work, but they have the genes for it, and they sure love to bite and pull when you play tug with them. It’s one of their favorite things to do. You just have to be careful, especially if you choose to “flirt” or “taunt” them into biting whatever object you want to play tug with.
On this particular occasion, my son chose to use a stick he found in the yard, and he also chose to taunt our dog into playing tug. “Be careful,” I said, “she might get your hand on accident.” My son continued to taunt her as she continued snapping at (But missing) the stick. I cautioned him a second time, but he ignored my words. Sure enough, just as I was telling him a third time to be careful, her teeth got the tip of one of his fingers, and it hurt.
Isn’t that our tendency sometimes when it comes to God’s Word? God, in his goodness, warns us through his Word of the dangers of sin and temptation in this world. But often, we ignore his loving Word to us, and eventually we get hurt. This week, make it a point to listen to God through his Word. He loves you, and he wants what’s best for you. Don’t ignore him.
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