Two Dogs, Two Owners

And you are included among those Gentiles who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ. (Romans 1:6 NLT)

A parable. Two dogs each owned by two different masters have unique stories. Dog #1 was owned by a merciless and cruel master who frequently abused the dog, depriving it of food, leaving it to sleep out in the cold, neglecting to walk it or taking it in to the vets when it was sick. Dog #1 lived a miserable life. Eventually it died.

Dog #2 was lucky to be owned by a loving and compassionate king, who lived in a mansion (much like the White House), with many servants and children. The King ,his children and servants saw to it Dog #2 was well fed, cared for and exercised. It lived a happy life.

What do you think made a difference in the lives of the dogs? If you said "ownership" or "who they belonged to" you are right. Whoever a thing belongs to makes a whole lot of difference. Ownership determines care, use (or abuse) and quality of life.

Paul says you are called to belong to Christ. Christ then becomes your owner, which makes all the difference. Your quality of life then is hinged on the character of Christ your owner. You should know you are in good hands. Christ is more like the second master in our parable. He is not an abuser like the first who delights in beating you up and teaching you lessons by depriving you of life's necessities and then strikes you with a cancer for extra credit as some unknowingly declare him to be. He is a benevolent owner. A compassionate master and a wonderful care-taker.

You can relax in his ownership, trust that he's perfecting everything that concerns you today. Nothing in your life escapes his notice and care. Even the very hairs of your head are numbered. You focus on loving and obediently serving your owner, surrendering to his will. He'll take care of the rest.

Decision of the Day

I belong to Christ. My owner is good. My quality of life is determined by him. I will love and serve him and enjoy his benevolence and protection.