Tag: spirituality

Don’t Take A Dog By The Ears

Neal Pollard

I was shocked to hear this morning that local NBC morning news anchor, Kyle Dyer, was bitten on the lip by an Argentine Mastiff in a “feel good story” about the dog, who was rescued by a local fireman from a frozen pond in Lakewood.  The segment was a reunion between the dog and its owner and the rescuer.  The dog showed no signs of aggression, but Dyer leaned in way too close as if to kiss or snuggle with “Gladiator Maximus.”  Though certainly showing that she is a dog lover, Dyer would no doubt, in hindsight, have done things differently.  Considering the size, the breed, and even the trauma through which the dog had just undergone, this was not a wise move.  Dyer had reconstructive surgery and may be off the job for as much as a month.

In Proverbs 26:17, the writer says, “Like one who takes a dog by the ears is he who passes by and meddles with strife not belonging to him.”  The inspired writer is referring to one “sticking his nose” in someone else’s “business.”  I have not ever taken a dog by the ears, but when I was four I tried to throw a house cat into a 50 gallon barrel on our carport.  The insides of my forearms did not fare well, as I bore skid marks from biceps to wrists.  That cat was minding its own business when I foolishly made it (the cat) my own.

Maybe you have never been so foolish with a dog or cat, but have you ever made someone else’s business your own?  It could have been unsolicited advice, taking sides in a conflict between two parties, being a busybody, or the like.  Avoid such a habit!  Sooner or later, you will receive a painful lesson that might hurt badly!  Your interference may hurt others, but you may will inevitably injure yourself–your feelings, reputation, or even character.  Maybe, meddlers should get a sign that reminds them, “Beware of the dog.”  Save yourself!  Let others’ business be just that.

Psalm 15

Neal Pollard

Who may permanently pitch his tent on the holy hill of the Lord?
Who is the one that may stay, content, without harm or hurt or discord?
The one who with godliness walks and works, with truth upon his heart
A trustworthy person who wickedness shirks, who in evil takes no part
His tongue he watches and reins, his friends do not fear he’ll betray
From slanderous, evil speech he refrains, he avoids every disloyal way
His sense of right and wrong is clear, his word is ironclad,
His fear of the Lord his actions steer, he despises all men who are bad.
The innocent he carefully protects, he’s compassionate if he lends.
The hurting he never neglects, the downtrodden are his friends.
What happens to such a man, the one up on God’s holy hill?
Move him? No one can! He is entrenched in God’s  unchanging will!

SHALLOW

Neal Pollard

I don’t remember my dad or mom specifically counseling me to this end, but I remember being guided to look for a wife that had substance, “gumption,” and common sense.  God certainly blessed me with such a woman.  Certain words, “ditzy,” vacuous, superficial, and frivolous, are not flattering terms.  Such is not a quality that should draw a man or woman toward a life’s mate.  It is different than gullibility, unintelligence, and lacking in common sense.  It speaks to one who has little beneath the surface.

More grave and serious is the condition of spiritual shallowness. Certain disappointing words and actions give evidence of its existence, even among children of God.  The price of it is greater than an unhappy, dissatisfying marriage or other relationship.  Souls are certainly at stake.

Consider, as an example, church attendance.  The attitude that says, “Do I have to come?,” reveals a lack of spiritual depth.  Look at David’s depth, who exclaimed, “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord'” (Ps. 122:1).  Contrast that with the one who dreads or resents attending.  A life that approaches attendance as a substitute for holy living or a real relationship with Christ is a shallow one.  Jeremiah’s peers had a shallow attitude toward worship and assembling.  The prophet says, “Will you steal, murder, and commit adultery and swear falsely, and offer sacrifices to Baal and walk after other gods that you have not known, then come and stand before Me in this house, which is called by My name, and say, ‘We are delivered !’-that you may do all these abominations?” (7:9-10).  Jesus laments the shallow religion of those whose lips and mouths were engaged, but whose hearts and minds were disengaged (Matt. 15:8-9).  Woe to the one who says, “Do I have to?” rather than, “I get to!”

Some choose not to come at all.  Some come when they feel like coming.  Some come into the building, but then boycott the Bible classes.  Some come in body, but their hearts are nowhere to be found.  Some frankly do not make the assemblies a priority, in body or mind.  In most cases, the only one that knows if they are among the “some” is the individual.  And God.  Are you developing depth and devotion daily?  Don’t be shallow!