Full vs Futile

Resistance is futile!" It's a line from a science fiction movie.  The aliens say it just before the captive is absorbed into the community.

"Resistance is futile" is also the theme of the last four days of walks with the puppies.  Mickey and Molly are now one year old and a  lot bigger  than we expected.  Our  daily walks were typically jerk and pulls.  I expend plenty of upper body strength.  Mickey sounded like Darth Vader as he strains and pulls at the  leash to smell more and go farther than Molly.  Passing walkers would tell me I "had my hands full".

I'd had enough.  We need to make a change in their behavior.

"Resistance is futile" was also written in the margin of my journal for Deuteronomy 21:15-21.  These verses are telling the Israelite parents what to do when their son became stubborn, rebellious, a glutton and a drunkard.  Perhaps the parents were far  too lenient with their son and created the situation.  Perhaps the son made poor choices as an adult-- sometimes we can't just blame the parents. It's a sad story far too prevalent in today's world. 

These verses remind me that rebellion is contagious.  When one puppy sees a rabbit the adrenaline streams through them.  The other one picks up on the excitement and all sense, and obedience, leaves their consciousness.  My job is to teach them to obey in spite of the distraction.

Obedience is not a private matter.  One annoying, disobedient dog could be banished to the yard when we have guests.  But three annoying dogs make it chaos. It is my responsibility to teach the dogs to behave in society.  When reading these verses we may focus on the instruction for family issues but these verses also remind me that evil is contagious and dangerous to the community.

What have I learned the last four days walking the dogs?  "WHY did I wait so long to make them walk correctly on the leash?"  The first  day I saw Molly glance up at me to see where I was leading her.  It dawned on me.  They know how to behave but I haven't  required it.

On Day 2 Dick took Mickey alone and by the end of the route, Mickey was prancing like a race horse, tail feathered up and head held high. When I came in the door on day 3,  I pronounced it was "the best walk ever."

These verses in Deuteronomy, and the puppies, teach me that resistance to God's way makes my life futile.   I don't want my life to be futile, to just be a quest for self satisfaction.  I want my life to be fruitful and be a productive member of my community.  My adherence to God's plan for my life will be a testimony to others of His glory and love. 

My way is futile.  His way is full and free.  Freer from strife, drama and tragedy. Fuller of joy and excitement. Free because God gave me the opportunity through Jesus' sacrifice, even when I certainly had not earned it nor deserved it.  Full because God expects and gives me the best.