Which Kind of Dog Are You?

Front Porch Dogs Vs. Back Porch Dogs

A few months ago a little scruffy black dog showed up at our house. It had a red collar and was the sweetest little thing ever. We ignored it for a couple of days hoping it would go home; wherever that was. We began to feed her and ask around to see if anyone recognized her. My husband and kids fell in love with this little rag mop.

Our little visitor turned occupant. She is called a different name by every member of our family. I call her Minnie. My husband calls her Little. My son named her Liquorish. She has a different name at the vet clinic that I forgot. Liquorish fits perfectly because she licks unendingly and is black. She has another quirky characteristic; she stays on the front porch.

We have two dogs in the back yard named Callie and Hopscotch that Minnie gets along with great. However, she has found a way to get out of the fence and stays on the front porch all day. She tells us bye, by jumping up to our waist. She meets us at the vehicle when we come home. She has the whole world to explore, but she stays on the front porch. 

Callie and Hopscotch, on the other hand, need a fence. They need boundaries. They are mischievous when they get out of the fence. They roam to the neighbors house who has chickens. They are naughty and this is why Hopscotch has only three legs. 

When I thought about these dogs and their personalities, I applied it to my life. Sounds strange, I know, but every thing can be turned into a life lesson and filtered through Scripture. Which kind of dog do you relate to the most? 

Front Porch Dog

Are you like the front porch dog? Have you searched and chosen a safe place with someone who loves and accepts you? Do you stay as close to Jesus as the dog stays close to us? She knows which door we come in and out of most and sits there to get the most exposure to us. Are you exited when you study your Bible like Jesus has come home after a long absence? Do you stay within the boundaries laid out in the Bible and not need physical boundaries? 

Even though that dog is scruffy, we love her anyway. Even though we were sinners, Jesus loves us anyway.  

Back Porch Dogs in the Fence

Are you like the back porch dogs in the fence? Do you roam around looking for a way to breach the fence? When you find a hole, are you tempted to see what is on the other side? Do you need boundaries to keep you from acting on your temptations? Are you mischievous without accountability? Do you need the Master to call you home so the temptation is alleviated? 

Back Porch Dogs Outside the Fence

Are you more like the dogs out of he fence? Do you follow temptation and give into the sin? Do you go beyond the boundary every opportunity with not much thought? Do you need more than a kind voice to call you back? Do you need intervention?

I suspect we are all of these types of dogs at some time in our life. The goal is to become like the front porch dog who does not need boundary fences. The dog who comes running to greet the Master. One day the Master will open the door and allow us in to sleep at his feet.

Think about it. Blessings!