Wired to Follow

Lately I've been taking more time to really examine myself through scripture. As a Christian it's very important for me not just to wear the label but to live the life. I can be tempted to become easily distracted with life in the "real world" ---the never-ending flow of laundry, dishes, family needs, bills, projects, school and church, etc...I can get caught up in doing so many good and helpful things that I can forget why I want to do those things to begin with. My activity can become routine and obligatory and consequently my heart loses the kind of motivation that brings a true sense of joy. Instead of joyful I become tired, irritable, often impatient and sometimes rude. My good deeds, while good, can lack kindness. With growing discontent comes resentment and unforgiveness. All that effort can send me in a slow spiral backward away from the inner peace and contentment that Christ offers me (Philippians 4). When I'm doing so much good stuff I can't help but wonder, "How did that happen?" As I've been read my Bible I’m drawn to scripture that shows me what Jesus taught his newly appointed disciples. Jesus declares that as a disciple God wants all of me--my heart, mind and soul and for me to love my neighbor as myself (Matthew 22). Literally everything I think, do, say and hope should revolve around Him and loving others if I give myself wholeheartedly (John 15). That's what it is to abide in something. Abiding in Christ---is this even possible? I think how very short of this mark I reach every day. Yet I know this is the answer. Abiding in Christ is not just acting nice and doing nice, helpful things but an active awareness and presence that becomes my very nature. This may seem like an odd example but I look at our dog, Wylie; he's as good a model as any I've seen. I really like to watch Cesar Milan (a.k.a."The Dog Whisperer") and find his approach in dog psychology not only fascinating but also accurate. One of the primary points Cesar makes is that dogs are wired to follow a leader. This is highly evident in my relationship with Wylie. For all practical purposes I am perceived as his Pack Leader. He is so aware of my presence that his devotion is spontaneous and constant. No matter where I go, Wylie follows. He waits by the bathroom door until I come out, he sleeps outside the office door while I work, he waits by the back door when I leave until I return. If he is sleeping and I leave the room he wakes up to follow me. It's pretty remarkable how he can appear to be in a deep sleep and still know when I've moved away from him. When he goes outdoors to

Wylie

do his business he consistently looks back to make sure I'm watching him; only then does he feel confident to venture around the yard. He loves the other members of our family but it’s evident his little doggy heart belongs to me. He doesn’t beg for my constant attention or for treats although he shows great appreciation when I offer these things to him. It's enough for him just to be close to me. I look at Wylie's devotion and I think this is how I want to follow Christ. While I’m not always deserving of Wylie's undying love and affection I have the privilege of following the One perfect and holy God who is always deserving of my love and devotion.  I, too, am wired to follow. The more my life revolves around Jesus the less things feel out of control or hopeless or unbearable and the more I feel confident in my purpose. When I abide in Christ I really understand what it means to call myself a Christian.