Training for “Life by the Spirit”

“What counts is whether we really have been changed into a new and different people.” Galatians 6:15

So…yes.  I have this new puppy.  6 months old.  Adorable little puppy.  He’s just about all I’ve talked about for the past week since I got him.  And it is amazing to see the transformation in him already.  What used to be a timid, hand-shy, submissive puppy is now becoming confident and approachable.  He is not “submissive” so to speak, but he is obediant.  He listens…and does what he is told.

For the most part, he did what he was told to do before (last week, when I first got him).  But he did it solely out of fear.  And that fear was evident in his mannerisms. 

So, the other day, as I was inviting him up on the couch with me for the first time…he refused.  It was clear that he had never been allowed on the couch before…and was so scared at even the invitation, that I’m sure he probably has some very terrible associations with jumping on the couch. 

But little by little, I lured him up.  After about 20 minutes, he finally jumped up and stayed for just a couple second before getting down again.

In the week that has passed since that time…he has pretty well taken ownership of the couch.  He is on and off without any hesitation.

But that first few days…the first time he got up, I found myself saying to him, “Mordecai, this is life by the spirit buddy.  There’s no need to fear the condemnation from the old law.  Life by the spirit says that you can join me on the couch.”

Transformation.  I am witnessing it daily with my pup.  The transition from a life of strict law, to a life led by the spirit.  And truly, a new dog is emerging from this experience.  As I think about it though, he still listens.  He still respects and obeys.  And that seems to me to be what it is all about.  Life by the spirit doesn’t mean act willy-nilly and do whatever you want.  It means that yes, the old law is gone…but God is still God…and he still speaks, and we still need to listen, and obey.  But the fear…the fear of not getting it absolutely right…the fear of misunderstanding and messing up, the fear of breaking the old law…well, life by the spirit has no room for those fears. 

So live it up Mordecai.  Live by the spirit my friend.  There’s no reason to live in fear.  Please, though…don’t forget to come when you are called. 

 

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