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Fighting Dogs

Ps Peter Lewis

 

Have you ever stumbled across two dogs, mid-brawl? They’re growling, snapping and about ready to tear each other’s heads off. Well, might I offer you some simple advice first presented to me by King Solomon: Don’t get between them and pull one of the dogs’ ears. If you do, you might walk away with a few less fingers.

Proverbs 26:17 says, “Like one who takes a dog by the ears, so is one who passes by and meddles with strife not belonging to him.”

Solomon is recognised as the wisest man on earth. I find reading his wisdom in the book of Proverbs leaves me with ‘nuggets of truth’ to not only help me with spiritual things, but also practical day-to-day things. Solomon had great wisdom for living well, getting along with people, achieving success and enjoying the journey.

During this season of focusing on How to Live Your Best Life (even in a world where everyone does not think like you), I’ve been reminded of Solomon’s suggestions pertaining to relationships.

Sometimes we find ourselves in strife and hurt because we’ve become involved with something not at all to do with us. God promises us a grace to deal with the things we experience and the problems we face, but there is not a grace to deal with things which are none of our business.

As a pastor, God gives me a grace and responsibility to support my church family. When they are walking through issues, He guides me in what to say and how to intervene. However, this grace does not carry over to the other dads at the local footy who I often notice quarrelling. If I insert myself into their dispute, then I shouldn’t blame God when one of them snaps at me.

When you insert yourself into a situation where you shouldn’t, you open yourself up for the devil to attack you with bitterness, strife and agitation.

Just like trying to separate two fighting dogs and getting your hand bitten. The dogs weren’t trying to hurt you, but your hand was somewhere it shouldn’t have been.

If you are upset, agitated or out of sorts:

  1. Stop and pray. Ask God whether this is because you’re spending too much time being involved in places you shouldn’t.

  2. Stay in your lane. Remain in your place of grace.

  3. Save your hands for worship. Stop pulling on dogs’ ears.

Trust God to guide you in your relationships as you focus on Him and the grace He’s given you for living the Lampstand life.