K-9 Training for Christians

I’m hooked. You might even say addicted.

At the very least, I’m enthralled . . . by those social media reels of military dog training. Have you seen them? Here’s one example: www.facebook.com/reel/731161655971539

Maybe I’m feeling a bit more patriotic this week because of the holiday. Or perhaps I know from experience the discipline and training required—an achievement I was never able to approach with my own dogs.

But if I’m being honest with myself, the real reason I’m so captivated is because I’m envious. Not of the dog’s trainer, but of the dog. I watch these videos again and again, fascinated by the K-9’s laser-focus on the trainer. Eyes trained to respond to the slightest glance, nod, or twitch of a finger. Reactions so disciplined that they approach instinct instead of mere training or habit.

I want that in my relationship with my heavenly Father. A trust relationship so intimate that I’m sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s slightest prompt. A focus so undistracted that nothing interferes with instant obedience. And a similar overriding desire to please my Master, not to earn His approval, but to demonstrate in tangible ways how much I love Him.

Set Free

As we celebrate our national freedom this July 4, I’m reminded that Christians have been set free spiritually. Set free from slavery to sin, freed to be a bondservant of the living Lord.

And the Bible has much to say about this freedom, including:

• “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32 ESV).

• “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36 ESV).

• “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death” (Rom. 8:1-2 ESV).

• “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery” (Gal. 5:1 ESV).

• “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (Gal. 5:13 ESV).

• “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God” (1 Peter 2:16).

The bond between K-9s and trainers is strong enough to carry the dogs fearlessly into life-threatening situations. And the dogs’ equipping prevails over all circumstances.

May that be said of you and me in our relationship with the Lord!