See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when He appears we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is.
1 John 3:1-2
If you have ever been to a third world nation or a reservation in the western United States, you have most likely noticed an abundance of stray dogs. Strolling around freely, sleeping in unlikely places, eating whatever they can find. To the visitor, it appears both unnatural as well as concerning. Looking a bit mangy, absent of a collar and perpetually roaming around, the loan dog wanders through life each day becoming more feral simply trying to survive.
Since dogs are naturally pack animals, the common instinct is for these strays to gather together and form groups. Now instead of the occasional loaner, these packs of stray dogs are seen with both contempt and caution. Ruled by dominance, a pecking order is determined by strength and control. Better than being alone, the prospects for these dogs are not favorable. Just like with humans, those they associate with determine their future. For the stray dog packs, that is a cruel and short life.
As once domesticated dogs with the intention as human companions, the unfortunate part is when left to their own accord, all the negative traits of stray dogs emerge and are highlighted. The result is far from man’s best friend as they are quickly reduced to just another menace to society.
However, if you take one of these young strays and give them a home, something incredible happens. When they are provided with care and structure, they can naturally become a great pet and companion, loyal to their owner.
A lone stray simply tries to survive, a pack of strays becomes a danger to the community, but one that has been adopted into a family becomes a treasured companion.
Interesting how dogs and people are quite similar in this respect. When we are alone in life, most of the time we are just exercising, simply surviving in a complex world. Instead of being alone, longing for community, we seek whatever is available. However, many times the groups we fall into out of loneliness or desperation only amply the dysfunction. What we really need is a home. One where we can, not simply survive, but thrive in hope and vitality.
God’s plan for us is one of community and health. He calls us from alienation into adoption with Himself. He provides us with His Church, a place to belong and to be nurtured. He feeds us, takes care of us and even disciplines us when needed. Not only invited in, He pursues us, meeting us where we are, but loving us too much to let us stay there. We now have a home where we can feel safe and secure.
Most of all, we can belong. Belonging to the King and living in the Kingdom. This new reality of life causes hope to spring up in us. Unlike the stray dog that merely tries to survive another day, the hope that comes with being adopted into Christ is eternal. The confidence in knowing that we will be with Christ forever displaces fear and loneliness and in its place strength and purpose abound.
If you have ever felt like a stray dog, don’t settle for what a pack can offer. Find your home in Christ and the family He provides.
