As I sit here
writing, Tigger the cat has come over
for her morning pet from me. At
sixteen, she's getting on in years and
she hasn't always been a particularly
affectionate cat. For years she was
the typical aloof cat. Then five years
ago we got Genni the wonder dog and
Tigger has become more dog like and
affectionate ever since.
I know it runs
contrary to "conventional wisdom"
about dogs and cats who are supposed
to be mortal enemies but it's true.
Genni doesn't like cats but she
accepts Tigger as part of the family.
It's probably never even occurred to
her that Tigger is a cat.
It's a strange
phenomenon known to trainers of big
cats like lions and tigers. Raise them
(the cats, not the trainers) with a
dog and they become more affectionate,
more social, and more trainable. Many
zoos keep a dog with their big cats
from an early age because with a dog
in their life they are less uptight
around people. It's healthier for the
cats in the long run.
The same sort of
thing can happen when you drop a
Christian into a group of
non-Christians. At first there may be
distrust and even dislike, but over
time as believer is seen to be
trustworthy and to walk their talk the
Christian can begin to influence the
group.
It 's a
principle that Jesus understood well.
He spent time with His followers but
He also walked in the world to
influence it. He didn't change who He
was to fit the world's idea of who He
should be. He simply walked in
authority and power. He sent His
disciples out to do the same.
We're called to
the same sort of role.
"You are
the salt of the earth. But if the
salt loses its saltiness, how can it
be made salty again? It is no longer
good for anything, except to be
thrown out and trampled by men. You
are the light of the world. A city
on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither
do people light a lamp and put it
under a bowl. Instead they put it on
its stand, and it gives light to
everyone in the house. In the same
way, let your light shine before
men, that they may see your good
deeds and praise your Father in
heaven.
Matthew 5:13-16 NIV
When we're out
there and the world sees the light, it
knows we possess something they need.
Not everyone will respond but over
time, just like the dog does to the
cat, you can influence them and point
them in the direction of Christ.
Until next time,
walk your talk openly and with
integrity. It will influence others.
Hallelu Yah
(Praise God)
Be blessed
Kevin
