Dogs and Leashes

As you know, we have had a number of golden retrievers over the years which we love to take with us on our adventures. One of our pups (Autumn) does much better on a leash.  She tends to wander off where she shouldn’t so we keep her on a leash, at least initially, for her own protection and our peace of mind. 

We had another pup (Shadow) who never required a leash.  He would always stay by our side and would come when called.  He seemed to know we had his best interest at heart and would choose to remain near us rather than wander off on his own.

Both were allowed to enjoy our adventures, but Shadow enjoyed a freedom because we knew he would obey.

I see God’s commandments are like the leash – they are there to keep us safe and are necessary until we learn to trust the Master, that He knows what’s best for us, and to listen for His voice.

We love them both and I know they both love us, but I can’t help but feel that Shadow’s love for us is what kept him close.  Autumn loves us too, in fact she loves to snuggle, but her “wander-lust” will often cause her to leave us in pursuit of her doing her own thing.  Therefore, the leash is necessary.

When our love for the Master is greater than our desire to wander, that is where our true freedom is found.