Bible Reading: Acts 9:10–31
“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (Philippians 2:4).
Drover is not one of those dogs that roam the community. There is a powerful force that keeps him close to home. That force is his own selfishness. He lives in fear that his owner might pet the cat. If there is any head to be scratched or ears to be ruffled, Drover wants to be sure they belong to him. Sometimes when the man comes home from work, Drover rushes about madly, sending the cats scurrying for cover. Then he positions himself in the center of the walk, wagging all over, eagerly awaiting whatever attention his owner might bestow on him alone.
Of course, Drover is just a dog, so we excuse his self-centered ways. But how often do we humans act like Drover? In conversations with others, do we feel we can hardly wait until they finish so we can say our piece? Worse yet, do we interrupt? Perhaps we want to make sure we get the credit when we have done a fine job. We might volunteer for responsibilities that put us out front, but leave obscure and menial tasks for our brethren. Do we find it hard to compliment others, yet bask in praise that comes to us? Do we enjoy directing others but find it hard to submit to others’ authority over us?
These domineering tendencies come from our fleshly nature. Let’s leave these traits to Drover, while we Christians follow the example of Christ.
The path to fulfillment and happiness
Is to strive someone else’s life to bless.
From Paws on my Porch, by Gary Miller
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Used by permission
