. . . not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction. (1 Cor 7:35)
I don’t know too much about dog-obedience training. I’ve gone to those classes before with our new pooches along the way and I’ve learned a thing or two. But one thing I do know is that when I’m out walking a dog and she gets distracted I have to rein her in and keep her on a short leash for a while. She puts up a fight but seems to eventually settle down and even seems to enjoy the walk.
It seems like every time the Lord gives me some slack, I become distracted and He has to bring me in and shorten the leash. But I don’t mind it because I only want to be where He thinks best. I’m so glad the Lord loves me enough to rein me in. That’s where I’m safe and I can keep more to the direction He is taking me. I want to be listening to His commands but I have to be close to Him in order to hear what He is saying. It’s great by His side. I don’t care what it takes to keep me there.
When you give the Lord the freedom to put you on a short leash then you can just relax and enjoy your walk with the Lord. What a blessing to be free from striving after your own way and to just let the Lord lead. “Lord, reign in me but also rein me in!”
And Enoch walked with God . . . (Gen 5:24)
. . . just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God. (1 Thes 4:1)
Louie