Obedience Training
by Pat N., Life Group leader
Many of us have pets we dearly love, referring to them as our “fur babies.” We dress them, groom them, exercise them, play with them…and we also have standards of behavior we expect from them. Training of domestic pets often doesn’t go beyond teaching acceptable potty practices, down/sit/stay/come, and the all-important magic word “Treat!”
Seeing demonstrations by K-9 officers, canine agility trials and even circus acts leave us admiring the dedication and skill of the trainers. Some trainers are even able to make cats follow orders. A consistent trait of the well-trained animal, regardless of species, is its focus on the trainer. Closely attuned to his trainer, he responds immediately to spoken or unspoken commands. He knows what is required of him…and that he will be rewarded later.
So far as I know, there is no Obedience Training Academy for New Christians or refresher courses for mature Christians, but we do have
- Life Groups for all ages
- Bible studies for men and women
- Pastor-led courses on living out the Christian assignment to “Go, tell”
- Loving members to encourage, pray for and stand with others
Jesus set the perfect example for us to follow. Confronted after healing a man on the Sabbath, this was his response:
John 5:19 Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. 20 For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel."
After washing his disciples’ feet, Jesus said “I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13: 15)
Our Obedience Training comes straight from Heaven. Follow the example of Christ, and receive the reward of his “Well done!”
