Daily Jewel

by   Pastor J.T.  Carnell,  McAlester, OK  

“Watchdog Theology”

“…do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her and she will watch over you…” – Proverbs 4:6

I am a dog lover!  From my earliest memories I remember having a dog in my life and family.  Growing up in the 60’s I remember watching the dog of dogs, “Lassie” every week.  There was always something comforting when watching that show to know that if there was trouble Lassie was there save the day.  She (although in actuality Lassie was a male dog) was always there to make certain that Timmy and his family was always safe.  And they were.  Where is Lassie today when we need her?

One of my favorite verses of Scripture is this:  “For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” – 2nd Chronicles 16:9 (NIV)

Many are aware of the phrase, “Big Brother.”  Big Brother is actually a fictional character created by novelist George Orwell in his book, Nineteen Eighty-Four.  He is the mysterious dictator of Oceania, a totalitarian state taken to its utmost logical consequence—where the ruling elite ('the Party') wield total power for its own sake over the inhabitants.

In the society that Orwell describes, everyone is under complete surveillance by the authorities, mainly by teles-creens. The people are constantly reminded of this by the phrase "Big Brother is watching you", which is the core "truth" of the propaganda system in this state.

Since the publication of Nineteen Eighty-Four, the term "Big Brother" has entered the lexicon as a synonym for abuse of government power, particularly in respect to civil liberties.

I bring up this obvious contrast because there are number of people who see God as the ultimate “Big Brother.”  That His only purpose is to hover over us and punish our misdeeds with a thundering fist.  If this view that many have accurately described the God I serve I could understand the cynicism would probably reconsider whether or not I would continue serving Him.  This “Big Brother” theology is far from the truth and exists only in the minds of those who have no interest in allowing God to work in their lives.

The verse from 2nd Chronicles reminds us that when we are fully committed to Him—He is fully committed to us!   Love Him—with your heart, soul, and mind and He will protect your heart against the things that seek to destroy it. 

Solomon’s take here essentially works the same way.  Wisdom comes from God.  It (or she) is a gift that is designed to strengthen and enhance our lives.  Accept her and let the enhancement begin.  Love her—and not only will your life be enriched—it will be surrounded with His protective energy, peace and hope!

Now, I’m not sure that if you fall into an abandoned well, or get your foot caught in the railroad tracks with a train coming that your dog will go and get help—but maybe His wisdom will help you from getting yourself in those situations in the first place.