Connect: A Dog’s Perspective

Read: Hebrews 10:24-25

I’ve learned something about humans.

They need a pack.

Now, you humans probably call it community, fellowship, or maybe a small group.

Dogs just call it common sense.

My human can sit by himself with his Bible and coffee—and I’m usually nearby supervising—but there’s something different when other folks show up.

There’s talking.

Laughing.

Praying.

Sometimes somebody gets quiet and shares something heavy.

And occasionally somebody brings food.

That last part is especially important to the spiritual development of the dog.

I’ve noticed my human doesn’t always feel like going.

Sometimes he’s tired.

Sometimes life has been busy.

Sometimes staying home sounds easier.

I understand.

I’ve passed up plenty of opportunities to leave a perfectly good couch.

But he goes.

And almost every time, he comes home different.

A little lighter.

A little encouraged.

Sometimes challenged.

Sometimes reminded that somebody else is fighting a battle too.

That’s when this old dog figured something out.

God never intended His people to follow Jesus alone.

We need people who know our names—and our stories.

People who notice when we’re missing.

People who celebrate when life is good and sit beside us when it isn’t.

People who pray when we can’t find the words.

People who love us enough to tell us the truth when we’re wandering off the trail.

Sunday morning matters.

Worship matters.

Preaching matters.

But there’s something powerful about sitting in a smaller circle where everybody gets close enough to actually know one another.

That’s where strangers become friends.

Friends become family.

And family helps carry the load.

A dog understands that.

When you belong to a pack, somebody is watching your back.

Maybe that’s why Scripture says, “encouraging one another.”

Our faith walk needs some “one anothers.”

Love one another.

Pray for one another.

Carry one another’s burdens.

Encourage one another.

You can’t do much “one anothering” all by yourself.

So, find your people.

Get connected.

Show up.

Open your Bible.

Open your heart.

Share a meal.

Pray together.

Do life together.

Because following Jesus was never meant to be a solo walk down a lonely road.

And take it from an old dog…

Life is better when you’ve got a pack walking beside you.

Besides, small groups usually have food… and this old dog is not opposed to a leftover piece or two of whatever appearing on the coffee table.

Connect.

Stay Faithful.

Walk Together.

Amen