Captured

by Macy Johnson

“We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

(2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV)

Our neighbors adopted a black Labrador Retriever for their granddaughters.

Jake was a beautiful, playful, intelligent puppy. His sire appeared in our yard one weekend while our daughter and her family were visiting. We woke to a pair of black, male labs lounging on our porch.

None of our neighbors recognized the dogs, obviously a trained pair. As they roamed through the subdivision, enjoying affection here and there from humans and several dips in the lake, they acted like they were at home everywhere they sat.

And they would sit. My son-in-law’s commands successfully got them to sit, lay down and eventually follow him up the street, away from our house. Our five-year-old granddaughter ran pell-mell from the big dogs - they had to be removed. We later learned they belonged to neighboring farmers.

I was intrigued at the obedience and attention the roaming dogs displayed. Escapees from their owner, they were otherwise well-trained. The black labs immediately captured words of any commander and obeyed them.

Why can’t I be like that? Why can’t I sit and lay down and roll over when my Commander speaks? Why can’t I capture my Trainer’s words and immediately act upon them? Why can’t I seize every thought, every idea, every notion and make it obedient to Christ?

Potted plants, gloves, hats, boots, things left unattended, were found hidden in bushes, on porches, or in the lake. Jake hadn’t learned to leave people-property alone, yet. We observed the destruction of our neighbors’ outdoor decorations – they had been duly warned!

Training Jake takes time. Training me takes time, too. It begins with one thought, one command. Puppy steps, Jake… and baby steps, me!

I will stay near the heels of my Master today. I hope you will, too!