Meaningful Max
Published on Tue, Feb 16, 2010 by BY LISA FINLEY | CONTRIBUTING WRITERRead More Religion & Spiritual
Our newest family member is Max. Weighing in at approximately 75 pounds, he is a loving, chow/lab mix, colored rust. Living at home with our three teens, my husband and I got him strategically to fulfill a purpose; we wanted someone to come home to that always loved and obeyed us.
Max is actually glad to see us, never argues about his bedtime, never has a messy room, nor does he ask for cash. He just offers a lot of unconditional love.
Everyone thinks I am his favorite, but honestly it’s just because I’m the one who feeds him. Besides his two servings of dog food, he can count on me to sneak him snacks, as well as homemade leftovers.
Admittedly, he has gained a little weight, but we are both in denial, believing that his thickness looks good on his larger frame.
The other day when he ran out to greet me with his tail wagging happily, I noticed he looked at my hands, rather than into my eyes. He was expecting to be fed, ready for a handout.
I was a little disappointed, acknowledging that his unconditional love is a bit more conditional; it source more from his stomach than his heart.
I’m quite certain God has similar feelings.
Many of us approach Him with our needs, a lot more interested in our list of what He can do for us, than just wanting to love Him and spend time in His presence. Let’s be aware of this tendency.
He was wise to leave us The Lord’s Prayer as an example of the way in which he prefers to be approached. It begins by honoring Him, and focusing on His attributes, before asking for daily bread (our needs to be met).
“In this manner therefore pray: Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” Matt. 6:9-13
Even though God desires to bless us, and meet our needs, His greatest desire is our love and our relationship with Him. Let’s choose to honor and obey Him. Let’s set aside our own agenda and take time to look into the eyes of Christ and see love reflected there. Let’s adore Him to the max.
Max is actually glad to see us, never argues about his bedtime, never has a messy room, nor does he ask for cash. He just offers a lot of unconditional love.
Everyone thinks I am his favorite, but honestly it’s just because I’m the one who feeds him. Besides his two servings of dog food, he can count on me to sneak him snacks, as well as homemade leftovers.
Admittedly, he has gained a little weight, but we are both in denial, believing that his thickness looks good on his larger frame.
The other day when he ran out to greet me with his tail wagging happily, I noticed he looked at my hands, rather than into my eyes. He was expecting to be fed, ready for a handout.
I was a little disappointed, acknowledging that his unconditional love is a bit more conditional; it source more from his stomach than his heart.
I’m quite certain God has similar feelings.
Many of us approach Him with our needs, a lot more interested in our list of what He can do for us, than just wanting to love Him and spend time in His presence. Let’s be aware of this tendency.
He was wise to leave us The Lord’s Prayer as an example of the way in which he prefers to be approached. It begins by honoring Him, and focusing on His attributes, before asking for daily bread (our needs to be met).
“In this manner therefore pray: Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” Matt. 6:9-13
Even though God desires to bless us, and meet our needs, His greatest desire is our love and our relationship with Him. Let’s choose to honor and obey Him. Let’s set aside our own agenda and take time to look into the eyes of Christ and see love reflected there. Let’s adore Him to the max.
