Major, my dog, gets treats for doing "work," or a training session. Oh, all right, and sometimes for nothing at all. (See the treat sitting on the edge of the chair?) Here, the trick is to "wait." He does real good, and if you look closely, a bit of drool is beginning to form, in anticipation.Yummy food is a great motivator. Hey, I know that personally, too. But let's not go there.
Major learned this behavior by repetition. At first he would see the treat and be eager to do anything to get it. After a while he did commands without the treat. Conditioning. Receiving praise and attention from those he loves is enough, but treats are always appreciated.
"Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?" Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent." John 6:28-29
God requires no tricks to please Him. So why do I think I "must" do things to get His treats? When once I realize I only need to believe and trust in His Son, then all the treats in heaven become mine, too. My works happen out of love for Him. No drool necessary.
I'm glad God never runs out of treats.
Photo: karenevans
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15 comments:
We need conditioning God's way not ours. Have a great weekend! :O)
www.dianeestrella.com
Speaking my language here. LOL Great analogy.
Major is a love bug. If you ever travel around the world and need a pet sitter, there's one in OK that would take him in. ;-)
amen good post :D isn't it cool how God can teach us lessons through so many little things in nature? :)
Got chocolate? I'll set there and drool.
As we mature treats may not be necessary, but praise still is! - Dave
Diane, and isn't His way always better?
Parsley, I would take you up on that pet sitting in a heartbeat, if I was closer!! :)
LE, to me that just reinforces that there was a divine plan for our whole existence.
Kathy, oh quit it. That's one of my treats, too!!
Dave, I agree, we all want affirmation.
Maybe I'd be skinnier if I had to do tricks for my treats...I am not very coordinated...I wouldn't get many :)
sometimes we use chicken hot dogs to train - they love them :)
We do have tendency to make our beliefs complicated! That's the most beautiful thing about God. He doesn't make having a relationship with Him hard. :)
Karen the comments left here are great too - just like your post. love the photo of Major. I could go for a dog like that!
Libbie, hey, me too!
Kathryn, I have used that, but upsets this ones "sensitive" stomach. But he loved'em.
Emily Ann, I agree, we always want to add stuff, when He's done it all.
Jeanie, I can't believe you just said that! You? I love it!
Hi Karen,
How disciplined Major is! I need to be more like that! And can you imagine all the treats waiting for you in heaven???
Kate
If only I could just sit and look at pizza like that? :-)
What a great analogy Karen. Just keep going...You will have enough for a book before long. I'm still thinking of a great pitch for it...Love you Clella
You are so funny--'No drool necessary.' I love your writing and the way you think, Karen.
Kate, I'm drooling already. :)
Clella, I know I keep looking while I'm eating and still want more. :P
Jeanette, thanks, dear friend.
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