Daily Devotional for April 10, 2022
Pulling on the Leash
Mia panted as she tugged and pulled to get her Labrador puppy to go into the house. Prince was only six months old, but he was strong.
Mom looked up from her computer and laughed. “I’m not sure who took who for a walk,” she said.
Mia frowned. “Prince always wants to go for a walk, but when I take him, he pulls on the leash the whole way! He acts like he’s the one who should decide which way to go.”
“He’s still just a puppy,” said Mom.
“I know,” said Mia, “but I wish he’d learn to listen to me. He should learn to heel like my friend Nevaeh’s dog does.”
“Maybe we should take him to obedience school,” said Mom. “Or at least start some obedience lessons on our own.” Mom studied Mia a moment, then said, “Sometimes Christians act a lot like Prince. On our walk through life with Jesus, we pull and tug to go our own way too. We think we should decide for ourselves what’s good for us, and we don’t want to listen to God or to the people He puts in our lives to guide us—like parents—who really know best.” She gave Mia a pointed look. “Like last week when I wouldn’t let you go to Jessica’s party.”
Mia sighed. “I didn’t want to admit it, but you were right about that. Jessica’s parents weren’t home, and I found out today that some of the kids got so loud, the neighbors called the police.”
“Well, I’m very glad you weren’t there,” said Mom.
“I am too,” said Mia. “I guess I am like Prince. I wanted my own way, but you knew it wasn’t a good idea for me to go to that party. I’m sorry for acting like I thought you were being mean.”
Mom gave Mia a hug. “It’s hard for all of us to remember we’re not wise enough to choose our own way and need God’s guidance,” Mom said. “That’s one reason why God gave kids parents—so we can share the wisdom God’s given us with you as we teach you about Jesus and encourage you to trust in Him.”
Mia nodded thoughtfully. “From now on, I’ll do less tugging and more listening.”
-Karen E. Cogan
How about you?
How do you respond to direction from your parents, grandparents, or other adults? Do you listen to them, knowing they want what’s best for you? Or do you pull and tug, trying to go your own way? Parents aren’t perfect, but God provided them for you because He loves you and wants you to learn to depend on Jesus. Appreciate and obey those God has placed in authority over you as they teach you to walk with Him.
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