We got a dog about a year ago, and he has been a great addition to our family. Honestly, I used to make fun of people that consider their pet “a part of the family”, but I don’t any more. I never thought I would actually talk to a dog (as an adult), but I do. In so many ways, he is almost human, almost like one of us. But there are also many ways that he is different.
For example, he seems perfectly content NOT being in charge. We decide when he eats, when he goes outside, when he goes in his cage, when we play with him. We decide everything, and he decides nothing. And he is ok with that. In fact, he doesn’t appear to ever consider any other possibility. He is a dog and we are his master.
If only we had that attitude with God. If only we could remember that He is the creator and we are the creature. Tozer reminds the reader of this relationship in chapter 8 of The Pursuit of God, where he writes:
Much of our difficulty as seeking Christians stems from our unwillingness to take God as He is and adjust our lives accordingly.
God is God and we are not. He has not and will not change, yet we must. We cannot hope to approach God on our terms. To even consider a “debate” with Him reveals an inadequate understanding of the relationship. Got has already sacrificed everything to restore a relationship with us. We have nothing with which to barter with God. It is a one-way transaction: he demands everything we have, and demands it on His terms.
We must of necessity be servant to someone, either to God or to sin.
Is God is loving father? Yes. Does He care for even the most intimate details of our lives? Yes. Does He desire a deep, abiding, real relationship with us? Yes. But He is also our Creator and Master. We cannot, we must not try to do things our way. We must do them His way. God help us!
By the way, for a light-hearted look at this issue, check out this website.
