In “Cat and Dog Theology” by Bob Sjogren & Gerald Robison, the authors explain that the difference between cats and dogs is very similar to how Christian theology is being lived out today. Cats mistakenly believe that life is all about them, while dogs understand that life is all about their master. The authors explain:
Dogs say, “Lord, You love me, You bless me abundantly, You gave Your life for me, You must be God.” Whereas Cats say, “Lord, You love me, You bless me abundantly, You gave your life for me, I must be god.” (Back cover of the book)
The authors explain that the Christian life is not about the Christian’s glory, but about God’s glory. At first I thought this was kind of obvious. Obviously, God is in the business of promoting His own glory, not mine. But I have to admit, in my egocentric mind I often forget the obvious. The authors point to Romans 15:8-9. God did not save us solely so that we might not go to hell. Rather, he saved us so that we might glorify God for His mercy. You see, all of life, even our salvation, is about God and His glory!
Bob and Gerald understand one of the keys to responding to conflict Biblically. If you have the mindset of a cat, you will view life as about you and your comfort. You will instinctively run from suffering and move to your own tune, obeying half-heartedly or only when you see the personal benefit involved. On the other hand, if you have the mindset of a dog, you will understand that your master (God) has a plan for you and you follow him gladly because you know that He is good and you want to further His purposes.
Although Dogs aren’t out looking for hard times, when they do come, Dogs see them as opportunities to reveal more of God’s glory! But when there are times that God’s glory doesn’t shine through more and greater blessing, how do Cats tend to respond? … They cry, “Foul! God, that’s not fair!” and are totally unaware of the potential for glorifying God. In fact, if they aren’t being blessed, they think they have no reason to glorify God. (106, 107)
And yes, conflict does provide many opportunities to glorify God. Peacemaker Ministries reminds us how we can Glorify God in conflict.
Instead of focusing on our own desires or dwelling on what others may do, we will rejoice in the Lord and bring him praise by depending on his forgiveness, wisdom, power, and love, as we seek to faithfully obey his commands and maintain a loving, merciful, and forgiving attitude (Ps 37:1-6; Mark 11:25; John 14:15; Rom. 12:17-21; 1 Cor. 10:31; Phil. 4:2-9; Col. 3:1-4; James 3:17-18; 4:1-3; 1 Peter 2:13). (Peacemaking Brochure Pamphlet)
Dogs understand that conflict provides wonderful opportunities to glorify God. These include ‘me’ growing to be more like Jesus, helping those around me become more like Jesus, and showing the world what love, mercy, and forgiveness looks like. Dogs understand that God is good and sovereign over conflict and suffering. Dogs have no reason to panic and every reason to expect God to reveal His own glory as he is jealous to do so. Cats on the other hand are ungrateful and wallow in self-pity. They complain about their circumstances and miss out on the joy of bringing God greater glory. Will you join me in being a dog for the Lord, especially when we face our next relational conflict? Life really is about Him and His glory.
Thanks for this, Peter. Dogward thinking is consistent and certain; whereas, catward thinking is only as consistent as life’s circumstances. We can rejoice in difficult times because God’s love for us and desire for His glory remain consistent through every single season of life. Thanks for this uplifting reminder.
Right on, Katie. Personal blessings come and go in life but the internal reality of God’s glory remains the same forever. And that is something we can rejoice in.
Peter,
Thank you for a wonderful reminder that God created us for His glory (Isaiah 43:7) and we are called to fulfill His purpose and by doing so we gain true happiness by serving Him and not ourselves. 🙂 God bless you more and may you keep shining the light of Christ Jesus that is in you.
Thanks Cher. You are totally right, it is not that God doesn’t care about our happiness… he just knows that our dependence on him is part of our learning to have true joy, which is found in him.
This is so cool Peter. I didn’t know those insights about dogs and cats. Very encouraging and uplifting! What a change in the lives of God’s people when we focus on trusting and glorifying our Master. Thanks for this great work of yours for the Kingdom
Very true and just experienced one of my adult daughters catness last night. Coincidently her nickname is cat. So besides praying and preaching the gospel to yourself, any other ideas on how to minister to cats?
Hi Debbie. A mom I know shared this article with her young children. It is entitled: Getting to the Heart of Conflict. It is one of my favorite articles by Ken Sande. http://www.peacemaker.net/site/c.aqKFLTOBIpH/b.958147/k.4979/Getting_to_the_Heart_of_Conflict.htm My friend’s children were really young and they still understood the concepts and were helping each other apply the concepts. We must be willing to sacrifice our idols and worship the true and living God instead. We become ineffective at helping others root out their idolatry when our own idols get in the way. Then it becomes, why don’t you worship “my idol” and view things the way I do. “My idol” is so much better than yours! So I think you have it right, start with preaching the gospel to yourself… then you can help others worship God too! In other words, conflict does provide opportunity!