The Chaplain's Corner




Guest blogger, Chaplain Paul, is one of the most effective chaplains in America today. He is an emergency responder to every situation.

Hey, this is the Chaplain again.

You know, you can learn a lot from a dog. Maybe that’s part of the reason God put them here. Sometimes we can watch them and be reminded of what NOT to do; like chasing cars or licking inappropriately. But we can also watch their behavior and learn a spiritual lesson about what God expects.

My wonderful wife Blossom has a dog named Pepper. Anytime Blossom leaves the house Pepper will go and lay by the door waiting for her to return. Pepper just lays there, doesn’t move until she hears Blossom drive up. I was watching that behavior in the dog this week when the Holy Spirit pointed something out to me. Too many Christians are like Pepper, just laying around waiting for the Lord to come back.

Jesus told a parable about that in Luke 19:13. Jesus spoke about a Nobleman (Christ) that left on a trip (His ascending into heaven). And he gave each of his servants (Christians) large gifts and told them, ‘Take care of my business (further the Kingdom) until I get back.’ The King James Version says it this way, “Occupy till I come.”

I don’t think that we understand the word ‘occupy’ as it is used in this verse. Occupy is not a passive word, it is very proactive. It does not mean just sit around and wait. It means to be actively involved in representing the Lord until he gets back. It’s like a group of soldiers left in charge of an area. In fact one of the definitions for occupy is, ‘to invade and take control of a country, or territory.’

Not every dog is like Pepper. For example my neighbor’s dog Kiwi, he occupies his territory. While his master is away he is busy all day long; on patrol. He is actively watching for the master‘s return – but he’s not just laying around, he has control of his territory.

May I ask you, how well are you occupying your territory while you wait for the Master’s return?