THE CAT & THE CHRISTIAN
Written by Deborah.
11.24.09
A different perspective.
It was 7:43 Am when I saw it in the road. I was on my home from taking my children to the bus stop pick-up point and had opted to take a different route home.
It looked clean, almost pristine and although it lay deathly still, I had seen it before in someone’s yard. There, lying in the road was a beautiful Chocolate Point Siamese cat. It was obviously well fed and therefore well loved by someone in the immediate area. A cat like that doesn’t wander too far from the dinner dish. I drove around it, as if driving around the deceased would preserve its life. As I continued towards home, the mental, emotional and spiritual battle began.
“Stop Deborah and go pick up the cat.”
No, I’m in a hurry—I have a lot of projects to get done today.
“Turn around and get the cat out of the road.”
No, what’s the point—it’s already dead.
“Stop driving forward, go back and remove the cat from the road.”
No, it may be dirty or buggy or maybe ill.
“Foolishness! Go pick up the cat.”
No, someone may accuse me of hitting it and killing it—and I didn’t do it.
“Go back. Obey.”
No, I’ve got my own cats to feed, stuff to do and I’ve had plenty of cats killed by cars. Nobody came and picked up any of my cats. No, I’m going home.
As I drove another 20 blocks home, I argued with Righteousness and agreed with disobedience. I was angry, because I was in a wrestling match and apparently losing. I was crying, because I knew the pain someone was going to soon feel. I was annoyed, because I had other stuff to do, things to accomplish, places to go and people to see. Hey, I’ve got a “life”, ya know. I arrived home, unlocked the front gate, closed the gate, locked the gate, pulled the car under the carport, unlocked the house, took off my coat, and began to review my “list” for the day. But, ALL I could see in my mind’s eye was that beautiful cat lying in the road.
And that became the turning point for an obedience lesson from the Creator of the universe. I realized in that moment that nothing else would count for the kingdom, for the rest of the day if I refused to obey. And obedience is now, not later. From former times of disobedience, I also realized that if I chose to disobey, the consequences would follow me.
“Obey and walk with God. Disobey and walk alone.”
Irritatingly, I grabbed my coat, picked up my car keys and started back out the door. I was irritated at myself; at my carnal nature that willingly chooses disobedience, rather than submission to Obedience. I’d allowed the flesh to dictate my actions, and the flesh begs to disobey. Quickly, I unlocked the gate, pulled through, closed the gate, and zoomed down the street. My prayer became urgent.
“Please Lord; let that cat still be lying in the street without further damage. Please, get me there before it’s too late. I’m listening and I’m obeying you now, please protect that cat and let it be unscathed by the cruelty of the world.”
As I semi-raced back to the Chocolate Point cat, I thought about how it would be a hard sell to a police officer, if I got stopped for speeding. However, in haste the flesh wanted to break one law to fulfill another. Thus, a new mental battle ensued.
“What if I’m too late? What if my disobedience brought about a greater consequence? What if selfishness prevented a blessing for another? Oh, when will I conquer my flesh that screams, “Me, me, me…and only me.”
Romans 7:14-25
For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
“Is that the cat, God? Is that the spot where it laid? Is it harmed any further? Oh, please don’t let it have been hit again or crushed or mutilated in any way. Please Lord, please.”
I pulled up alongside the Siamese cat and stopped the van. I flung open the driver’s door without regard to stopping traffic. My focus was on this beloved pet that had graced someone’s lap, drank milk from great grammas’ saucer and had purred its way into the owner’s heart.
“Thank you God, thank you. It’s not harmed any further. Thank you for protecting this furry little creature.”
I picked up a truly lovely cat, howbeit dead, and it was still limber. It must have been hit moments before I first saw it, just 20 minutes earlier. It felt like a 14 lb. cat (cat owners know those kinds of facts) and I carried it over to the yard in front of the only house in sight. I laid it down gently close to the sidewalk, and curled its body into the shape of a contented sleeping cat. Its fur was lush and thick, the Chocolate Point coloring was perfect, and it was an admirable specimen. But more importantly it had been a companion for a human soul. If it belonged to the home owners on the other side of the sidewalk, they would find their cat shortly—and I knew there would be tears and heartache on their agenda. Every pet lover wants to grieve over a “whole” pet rather than a decimated one. I knew how much it would mean for the unknown pet owner to pick up their furry feline in its entirety. Of course, God knew that important detail and so He was at work to teach me obedience once again, in order to bless another. As I closed the van door, a wave of peace and sadness washed over me. Often such contradictory emotions confront the obedient Christian.
I had obeyed Righteousness. Now I could go forward with my day, resting in His peace. I mused and pondered these events until Obedience directed me once again. So, here I sit writing about an expired cat in the road, to share lessons about living life for the One who created it. And the simple lessons about obedience to Him continue.
Sometimes, God directs our steps to do something for others or for our church or for our neighbor or for a ministry—to teach us obedience. Sometimes, God teaches us greater lessons in life because of our obedience, rather than what “we” receive from our obedience.
What if, God directs us to support something and/or pray for someone, without a tangible reward or benefit?
Would we obey?
What if, God shows us a clear path to help someone else, but we don’t see an end result for ourselves?
Will we obey Him?
What if, God orders our steps to minister or to reach out or to support or to encourage one another, but we don’t receive an anticipated response?
Will we obey anyway?
What if, God has instructed us to “get over ourselves” and have the same care for one another, freely giving to each other, without gain or reward for “us”?
Do we choose to obey?
What if, God leads us to do something for someone else that’s outside our comfort or logic “zone”, because we will grow through the process?
Will we take action?
What if, God leads you to Christian Adoption, just because He said you should become a part of this Christian Adoption Family, and you never adopt a child through this ministry—can you be satisfied with His guidance?
What if, God leads you to Christian Adoption, only because the ministry needs your financial support or your prayer support or your spiritual insight or your fellowship—is that enough for you?
What if, God leads you to Christian Adoption, simply because your friendship was needed by just one other person—will you remain thankful?
What if, God, the Creator of the universe, called you to Christian Adoption, for only one reason and that reason only was to obey His still calm voice?
What if, God…will you obey?
Maybe, the earth’s circumference is bigger than your personal world.
Maybe, His plan for your life is much greater than “me, myself & I”.
Maybe, life on planet earth is bigger, more spiritually significant and infinitely more intricate than your previously considered finite expectations.
Maybe, we should obey, just because He tells us,
“Obey, my child.”For more information please read Together.
We encourage you to follow God's loving guidance.
Return
to: Home Index
A
Christian ministry helping birth parents &
Christian couples for over 14 years!
1.800.277.7006 620.251.4405 adoption@telepath.com
Deborah S. Niles P.O. Box 243 Coffeyville,
KS 67337
We are not an adoption agency, we are not registered, we are not licensed, and we are not professional counselors.
© All rights reserved CHRISTIAN ADOPTION
