Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Tuesday March 10, 2009

It is a matter of record that each article I have sent out via email or snail mail over the last 11 years that mentions a dog will drive a large response from the readers. I attribute this to the fact the most dogs have humans as their charge who are of a high intellect.

On several occasions I have noted the old adage, "Dogs are man’s best friend" is true as my observations and experience bear out this altruism. In my book, "Lasting Friendships In 30 Days" I use one of the 30 articles to show the benefit of treating a friend like a dog. Mom says this article alone is worth the price of the book.

Many wise men and women over the years have observed the deep friendship that a dog freely gives to its primary human and also has the ability to be friendly with numerous other humans.

One of the numerous tragedies associated with the current economic crisis is the abandonment of dogs and other household animals due to the fact the human caretakers cannot even afford to feed the creatures, let alone pony up the cost of health care. So, in some cases, the critters are dropped at the local humane society, and in too many cases a lethal injection is the relief they will get. In other cases, they are taken to a hopefully nice neighborhood and dropped off, usually sans collar or any identification, in the hopes that their winning wag of the tail and friendly face will open a human heart to their desperate plight.

Mark tells the story of a Syrophenician woman who desired a miracle for her daughter. Jesus reminded her that at that point His ministry was primarily directed to the Jews and it was not proper to take food from the children and give it to dogs. He was using a euphemism which taught that the Gentiles were "dogs" in that they were driven by instinct instead of the Law. "And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs." Mk 7:28. So we know the Jews made provision for dogs under the table, thus in the house.

Several points are made by this exchange in Mark, but one stands above all, Christ makes provision for each member of His creation; Jews, Gentiles and even dogs. So there is hope for you!

As to the friendship of dogs, Will Rogers said it well:

"No man can be condemned for owning a dog. As long as he has a dog, he has a friend; and the poorer he gets, the better friend he has."

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2009 Use with credit.

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