Man's Best Friend

Ecclesiastes 9:4 – “For whoever is joined with all the living, there is hope; surely a live dog is better than a dead lion."

For many of us, the catalyst that propels us toward the saving knowledge of Christ Jesus is hope. Paul tells us in the book of Romans that hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been shed abroad in our hearts (Romans 5:5). Take away hope from a man or a woman and there is insurmountable despair that can only result in suicide, both spiritually and physically.

Are we a dead lion or a live dog today? Have we so much pride in our deadness that we refuse to come to Christ and surrender to Him? While a mangy, unkempt dog may seem undesirable to some, it is beautiful in God's eyes. Have we become dark and black from sin? (Song of Solomon 1:5) Have we denied our deadness in our pride and refused to see ourselves as a mere dog? When we really see ourselves for who we are without Christ, then we can begin to see ourselves as God sees us. He will always show us our potential rather than our past failings.