February 22, 2015

Cats And Christianity – Part 1

"Ask the animals and they will teach you." -Job 12:7

"Christians are like cats, or at least they should be. What does a cat do when he gets dirty? He goes somewhere secluded and cleans himself up. Isn't that what a Christian should do when he/she gets dirty – i.e. sins? Go somewhere alone with God and get cleaned up." - Dr. Stuart Lease, President of Lancaster Bible College

Cats and Christians have many negative and positive characteristics in common. God can teach us many lessons through our pets – in this case, our cats. Today in Part 1, we will look at some negative characteristics of cats:

CURIOSITY: Curiosity killed the cat. Cats are extremely curious and this often leads to their demise. Curiosity can also have its drawbacks for us humans. The world and culture in which we live offer many allurements which can be destructive to our spiritual growth.- When we Christians take our eyes off God and become curious about the things of the world, we get in trouble. Remember Adam and Eve? But for their curiosity about the Tree of Knowledge, we might all be living in the garden right now!

INDEPENDENCE & STUBBORNNESS: Another trait very obvious in cats. We too can develop that "I can and will do it myself' attitude. Especially here in America, where an individualistic and independent spirit is cherished and admired. Self-sufficiency and a can-do attitude are admirable traits if held in check and used FOR God and not against him. Fellowship, especially to the Methodist, is a large part of our religious experience. We mustn't be TOO independent!

FEAR: Cats really do deserve the term "scaredy cat." They are easily startled and frightened by sudden movement and loud noises. Fear can be beneficial to protecting ourselves, but it can also be paralyzing, preventing us from doing what we need to do. Think of all the references to "fear" in the Bible. All the "FEAR NOTs!" from angels, Jesus, God, and Paul. If we believe in and trust in God, we will not allow fear to overcome us.

Tomorrow in Part 2 we will look at the more positive role model of cats.

DEAR LORD, help us to use curiosity, independence, stubbornness, and fear in ways that lead us to you and your kingdom, not away from you. AMEN.

Noelle Landin