I am still learning lessons from Shelby. Our little sheltie passed away about three months ago, but God is still using her to impress lessons on my heart.
Shelby and I were walking buddies. Every morning we headed out, enjoying the cool morning air and the time with God and each other. What I didn’t realize was that others were watching. I can’t tell you how many times over the past three months someone in the neighborhood has stopped me to ask about Shelby.
One neighbor stopped me this week to ask where our little dog was. I told him our sad news and he spent several minutes telling me how much he and his wife enjoyed watching me and Shelby. “It was obvious you loved her.” he said.
God used the moment to teach me about the power of consistency. Every day Shelby and I walked. Every day somebody was watching us. I didn’t notice. I wasn’t paying attention. But someone was, and our walks together made an impression I didn’t even understand.
The same is true in our walk with Jesus. People are watching. They are observing the way you move through your day. They can see how you walk with God. They begin to count on the fact that you consistently, regularly move in His steps. They notice, and in the noticing, we have an opportunity to point them to Jesus.
My Jesus Resolution is to be aware of the power of consistency. Someone is watching today. Someone is looking at me to see if I am still walking with God. Will I stick with Him no matter the weather, the circumstances, or the struggles? Is it obvious that I love Him? Can they see Jesus walking in my life? All the little things I do, all the small moments of surrender count. The daily in and outs of walking with God add up to a consistent testimony about His place in my life. Today I am going to be deliberate about being consistent. You never know who might be watching, and when they see me, I want them to see Jesus.
Very good analogy. Dogs DO make such good “snapshots” of faithfulness and unconditional love, and yes, even of consistency. Beautiful reminder that we do NOT live in a closet — but out in the all seeing eyes of our friends, neighbors and love ones — and someone IS watching. When we try to make belief that our actions are “only our own affair”, we have forgotten our “Jesus Resolution” (aka our God given goal 2 Cor 3:18). Always appreciate your “Jesus Resolution” messages — even though I don’t always tell you. Keep up the good work!