As you may remember from an earlier post, My son, Carter, recently adopted a dog he named Chance. Carter was told the pup was rescued from a hurricane in Texas and he does demonstrate some qualities of having experienced trauma. But every week that goes by testifies to the power of love, as Chance becomes healthier, more trusting, and certainly more playful. Aside from his sometimes timid temperament, Chance also behaves very much like a puppy – and Carter is learning some parenting skills along the way!

Our family gathered last weekend to celebrate my mom’s birthday, and Carter brought Chance along. Our sweet old dog, Sam, who is grieving the loss of Rover, was delighted to have company and Chance was very well behaved – for the most part. After he had warmed up to his environment, Carter let his puppy play off-leash. My other son had brought a dog as well and the three were keeping each other entertained.

After a while though – once Chance had tested his boundaries a bit – he began to wander further and further. He discovered wonderful sights and smells – including a pile of dog poop, which he immediately decided he would like to wear – so he rolled in it! It must have delighted him because he seemed proud of his new attire. It was on his back, on his tummy, even on his head and collar! Yuck!

Carter quickly put Chance’s leash back on and led him over to the hose to wash him off. I was impressed with the way my son talked to his dog – firmly but lovingly – as he reassured him that even though he didn’t like the bath, it would be okay. He tenderly dried him as best he could with some old towels and then brought him back into the circle where he could be loved on. I am sure that Chance received the washing as discipline, even though it was what was best for him – and everyone else who could smell him.

I smiled at the picture God was showing me as my son took care of his puppy. We so often choose to be just like Chance – intentionally indulging in sinful behavior because it seems good to us at the time. I love the way our Father draws us back in and gently washes us clean – because of His great love for us! And then – also a demonstration of His love – He keeps us close to Him for a while knowing our penchant for repeating behavior over and over again. He is so good!

Hebrews 12:4-11 reminds us of this truth:

God disciplines the one He loves.

Love is an interesting word in our modern society. So many people choose to believe that love is letting someone do whatever seems good to them. But God demonstrates true love for us. I have heard it said that God loves us just the way we are, but also loves us too much to let us stay that way! I am so thankful for that in my own life, and I love seeing it play out as my son loves his dog. If Carter were to let Chance do whatever he wanted, he simply would not survive (another story another time!) It’s true of us as well – God demonstrates His love for us by moving us away from our harmful behavior.

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”

Hebrews 12:5-6

God disciplines His true sons and daughters.

Chance didn’t start out knowing Carter – he was owned by several other people first – so it has taken some time to know that he is truly at home now. It is a joy to watch Carter take responsibility for his dog and to see Chance respond to that. Each day that Carter cares for his pup – and disciplines him – proves to Chance that he is truly loved and accepted. When we can understand and experience the precious love of God – even when it comes in the form of hardship and discipline – we too will find our home in him.

“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline – then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.”

Hebrews 12:7-8

God disciplines us for our good.

While rolling in dog poop might not have been the worst thing Chance could have done the other day, he is learning discipline for his good. Carter is teaching him to stay out of the road (protection), to come for his food and to eat healthy things (provision), and to stay by his side (submission). Each new thing Chance learns brings him closer to his master and friend and helps him to learn the ultimate lesson – how to accept his master’s love. We too are disciplined for our good, and though it is often hard to accept and understand, when we do it brings us close to our Father.

“We have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.”

Hebrews 12:9-10

God disciplines us so we can experience the best life.

Poor little Chance didn’t know it, but Carter gave him a bath so he could participate in the best things to come – spending time with his master and all the other people that love him. Our sin – just like the stinky stuff Chance rolled in – keeps us away from God and our brothers and sisters. When God washes us clean and brings us back close to him, we too have a “chance” to experience the best! Righteousness and peace are the best things in life because they allow us to stay in the presence of our Father and his people.

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

Hebrews 12:11

I could have never known what wonderful things would come into our lives by Chance! I look forward to the next lesson God has for us as He shows us a picture of His love through a little dog who has finally found his way home.