Cats and Dogs

Bible reading: Luke 18:9–14 

 

What is the difference between cats and dogs?

 

Cats belong to the feline family, while dogs belong to the canine family.  But a preacher had a different perspective about this.  He said the main difference lies in how they see themselves.  When human beings feed the dog, take him out for walks, and love him, the dog thinks the human beings must be God.  When humans take care of the cat in the same way, feed them and love them, the cats think that they must be God!  That is the difference!

 

This illustration of cats and dogs reminds us of an important spiritual truth. 

 

Sometimes people can become like the ‘cat’ in the story, thinking the blessings they receive are the result of their own goodness, discipline, or spirituality.  The thought that they so undeserve those blessings, but God in His mercy has blessed them beyond what they deserve, never crosses their mind!

 

Every blessing we enjoy, our salvation, our talents, our opportunities, and even our ability to serve God, comes from the Lord. When we forget this, we begin to think that God has blessed us because we deserve it.  

 

Certainly, fasting and praying are important disciplines. They deepen our relationship with God and shape our hearts to follow Him. The Bible repeatedly reminds us that God’s blessings flow from His mercy.  The Bible says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9).

 

If salvation itself is a gift of grace, how much more are the daily blessings we receive! Health, provision, opportunities to serve, and spiritual growth are all gifts from a loving Father.  When we recognize this truth, our attitude should change. Instead of pride, we would respond with gratitude and humility. Then we would join the psalmist and say: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits” (Psalm 103:2)

 

The question we have to answer today is: Am I thanking God for His blessings, or do I believe I deserve them?

 

The correct response to God’s blessings is not self-congratulations or self-righteous pride but grateful worship. We acknowledge that everything we have comes from His mercy and love. 

 

My friend, when you experience God’s blessings today, pause and remember: it is not because we have done everything right, but because God is gracious beyond what we deserve. And that grace should move us to live humbly, gratefully, and faithfully before Him.

 

Prayer:  Lord, keep my heart humble. Help me remember that every blessing I have is a gift from Your grace. May my life always respond with gratitude and praise. Amen.

 

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