Cats And Dogs

 If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? 

1 John 4: 20 NKJV 

There is a interesting analogy out there concerning dogs, cats and the people who care for them.  See, a dog sees his human master caring for him and thinks to himself, 'This human feeds me and cares for me, he must be God.'  The cat, on the other hand, sees his caretaker caring for him and thinks to himself, 'This man feeds me and scratches behind my ears, I must be God.'  Having owned both cats and dogs, I can envision why someone would think this way about each.  However, having known my share of people, I can see just how different people emulate the attitudes of out beloved pets.  Yes, some people will show grace and thankfulness while others choose the road of arrogance.  I'm sure that many of you have seen these traits in others you have come across.  As I was thinking of this comparison this week, I also remembered just how God has freed us from the scrutiny of our own behaviors.  The apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians, reminds us that we are to no longer judge others by the flesh {2 Corinthians 5:16}.  So, what does one think of when they hear the words flesh?  Bad behavior?  Sin?  There may be a very good reason that we feel this way about this part of our being.  Through my time in scripture study and fellowship I've come to understand that which we refer to as the flesh is a part of us which can and is often influenced either way either by good or bad.  Our flesh is, as they say, neutral.  Is this how you want to be known?  Not me.  While Paul reminds us how we are not to view those around us, he also reminds of of our one true identity in Galatians.  As Paul tells us, it is Christ Jesus who lives in us who we identify ourselves as.  You are no longer a sinner saved by grace...you are Jesus!

Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh.  Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 

2 Corinthians 5: 16 NKJV 

I'm not so sure that I would like to be known as that guy who yells at people he is mad at.  I don't want others to see me in this way.  No, I'd rather they see me for who it is I really am...as Christ who is in me.  I have a few Christian friends who have a real difficult time proclaiming that they are Jesus.  I get it.  As Christians, we have been force fed a lie for thousands of years.  That we are nowhere close to being near to God, that we are simply sinners saved by the grace of the Father.  This is the church narrative.  Anyone who has grown up in the church can attest to this teaching.  About the only truth to that storyline is that we are indeed saved y the grace of the Lord, the rest of it is bunk.  I find it difficult to believe that God would have such a heartless feeling towards His children He has so lovingly created in His image {Genesis 1:27}.  In fact, we're told that Gods very nature is love {1 John 4:8}.  Knowing these truths, it is easy to see through the fog to who it is we, and those around us, truly are.

~Scott~