Saturday, January 12, 2013

Big Dog Itis by Martin Wiles

He’s a diminutive Deer head Chihuahua, but he has big dog itis.

Chihuahuas are the smallest breed of dogs and are named for the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. Archaeological finds and folklore disclose that the breed originated in Mexico and probably descended from the Techichi, a dog favored by the Toltec civilization.

We inherited our Chihuahua, Twix, from our daughter-so named because his colors are similar to the Twix candy bar. While walking him recently, I encountered a gentleman visiting a relative for the holidays and walking his dog-somewhat larger than mine. As our dogs yapped at one another, the gentleman remarked, “They’re both the same size on the inside.” Both imagined they were enormously large in statue, and they definitely were in attitude.

The same is true for believers as Paul notes. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all (Ephesians 4:5-6 NLT).

God didn’t create us as carbon copies of each other-we have various hair colors, body shapes, eye tints, skin tones, and nose sizes along with unique opportunities and different personalities, but in our relationship with him we’re all the same size. God’s grace is responsible for our salvation, his sovereignty for our opportunities, his strength for our perseverance through trials and tribulations, and his wisdom for the unique gifts we possess. Our abilities may appear large or small, but each is essential for strengthening the body of Christ. There is a single way to heaven-through the one Lord, and only faith makes the connection. Since we’re identical on the inside, we can be unified in our outer efforts to share this same Lord with everyone. Don’t let big dog itis divide you from your kin in Christ.

Prayer: Thank You Lord Jesus for the special gifts You give. Unify us in our efforts to work together as we share Your love with others and build up Your body the Church.

A year's worth of devotions to start or finish your day on an encouraging note. Click the picture for ordering information.


4 comments:

  1. Love it, Martin! The mastiff in me is cheering :) Keep up the good work.

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  2. Love this too How wonderful a true sunday inspiration post...thanks for linking

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  3. Love the post, it says so much to all of us! If you don't know you're small, then you don't act small!

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