Wednesday, July 26, 2023

 

Color Blind

July 26

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature Galatians 5:16

Art and Linda placed an online ad for someone to care for their two dogs for a week. So far, not one of the candidates interviewed had met their expectations. Hopefully, their three o’clock appointment would.

Arriving promptly at three, a teenage girl sporting a bright smile knocked on the door. Looking through the peep, Art was immediately ready to disregard her as well. Although looking very capable, she was outrageously dressed. She had on a red blouse, pink skirt, one yellow sock and one pale blue one. I’ll bet she’s one of those punk rockers, or something…he figured. Opening the door, Art couldn’t help but ask, “Young lady, why are you dressed that way?”

Her answer was immediate and direct, “I am color blind, Sir. Does that present a problem?”

“Well, it might,” he said. “Our dog, Brutus, requires medicine each day. Since he is grey and Boca is light brown, how will you know which one to give the pill to?”

She thought for a moment, and then asked, “Does Brutus come on command?”

“Yes!” Art responded, immediately grasping her reasoning.

“Then,” she replied confidently, “all I have to do is call his name. I will give the pill to the dog who responds.”

“I like the way you think, young lady,” Art said, laughing. “Let’s discuss the arrangements.”

There is a saying that within each of us are two dogs; one good (white), and one evil (black). Whichever dog we feed becomes the stronger of the two. Most Christians do their best to feed the white dog.

But what happens when we can’t tell the difference because of spiritual color blindness? Many times we wind up feeding the black dog. Conceivably because we fail to view our harmful habits for what they truly are. Or perhaps it’s because we enjoy the danger of petting the black dog occasionally. Whatever the reason, it is unwise and unsafe.

Paul told Timothy that the only way to be sure which dog he fed was to live by the Spirit, and judge the dog, not by color, but by its spirit.

Prayer

“Father, give me discernment to know when evil comes cloaked in white. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

No comments:

Post a Comment