Kim Bryan

Picture of Shane getting ready to go for a ride!

We had a repairman at the house recently.  He had to make numerous trips from inside the house to his vehicle outside in order to complete the needed repair.  I was concerned about Shane running out the front door while the man came in and out of the house, so I gave Shane the command to stay with me on the second floor.

What a dilemma this command created for Shane!  He had a big decision to make: obey my command (not such an exciting option), or go downstairs and investigate what the mysterious and highly interesting man was doing on the first floor (a much more exciting option).

Shane had to decide whether he was going to go with my desire or with his desire.

He tentatively ventured over to the top of the stairs and peered down to gather whatever information he could accumulate and still remain in obedience to me.  Shane was teetering on the edge…to obey or to not obey – that was the question rolling around in his mind.  I could literally see the wheels spinning furiously in his canine brain.

I just watched him, and I waited for Shane to make his decision.

Shane turned and looked at me, long and hard.  Then he flopped down on the floor, set his chin on his front paw, and obeyed.

I had to laugh out loud.  It was such an interesting process to watch.  Shane’s decision of obedience literally played out in front of me.

I realized that this is what God sees me do, every day.  He gives me His commands, His roadmap for the High Way of living in Him, in His Word, and then He waits to see what I do in each situation, conversation, and decision.

God watches me as I tentatively wander just a little bit closer to the wilderness of disobedience, attempting to determine if there is some way to go my way without deciding against His High Way.  But the Bible tells us, in no uncertain terms, that we cannot serve two masters and that we cannot sit at two tables (see Matthew 6:24 and I Corinthians 10:21).

I have to make a choice every day, all throughout the day: am I going to go my way or the High Way?  Am I going to serve my interests or His interests?  Am I going to please myself or Him?

I know that I often proceed with my decision of obedience just like Shane proceeded with his decision today.  I look back and forth, back and forth, debating in my mind about which way I intend to go.  Then I finally take a long, hard look at my Master, and I realize that I love Him more than I love me, and I flop down and remain in obedience to the One who loves me immeasurably and who knows what is best for me.

Once again, I am taught a lesson in obedience by God through my relationship with Shane.  I love how God can help us to understand His mighty Truths by giving us illustrations in our everyday lives.

Praise God for His unending love and faithfulness!

Peace to you,

Kim