Citronella!
One thing that has become popular in the summertime is citronella. They have come up with a variety of ways to use it. It is something that is supposed to help keep away those little insects that no one really likes around. Does it work? Some people say it works wonderfully and others seem to question it. For me, I don’t really know because I haven’t given it a real try.
Dogs
So what does citronella have to do with dogs? Some of our dogs have a real habit of barking. We have tried different things to get the habit stopped. More recently we heard about getting a citronella collar. Yes, you heard correctly. So you get this collar that has this little box on it, every time they bark it sprays citronella. It doesn’t hurt them in any way but they do not really like the smell. It seems to work as long as the collar is on. The unfortunate thing is that when other dogs bark it also goes off. So the dog wearing the collar may not be barking but he still gets sprayed because his buddy does bark. Now that does not seem fair.
Christians
When things happen in my life I am always looking for an illustration to pull from the situation. The spraying citronella is no exception. It makes me think about our walk with the Lord. We need to be vitally connected with Him. And when we start to listen, watch, read, look, touch, act, or say anything that is displeasing to God the Holy Spirit “sprays” (speaks) to us to remind us that the thing we are about to do or say is not pleasing to God. The sad part is, just like the dog, we sometimes ignore the “spraying citronella” (Holy Spirit) and “bark” (do our own thing) anyway. Now citronella spray is not harmful in any way but when we choose to go against God’s will it is very harmful. It is the most harmful thing that we can do because if we don’t repent ultimately we lose the most amazing thing, life eternal.
What about when others “bark” (do wrong)? Do we get “sprayed” (spoken to) by the Holy Spirit or is it only when we “bark” (do wrong)? There are two factors here. When others do wrong we may be tempted to do wrong and the Holy Spirit will prompt our hearts that it is a wrong direction to go. Maybe we aren’t tempted to do the wrong but the Holy Spirit may still “spray” (prick) our hearts just as a reminder.
Thinking about it
The sprayer on the dog does not spray just because the dog thinks about barking, it only happens as he barks or one of his buddies bark. But I am grateful in the Christian walk the Holy Spirit “sprays” (speaks to) us even when we think about “barking” (doing wrong). Some people may look at that as an annoyance but I think of it as a freedom. As I stay connected to God in prayer and the studying of His Word He is not going to keep me in the dark. He will prompt my heart throughout the day of right and wrong. I don’t have to sit around and worry that I might do something wrong, He will guide me. And to me that is freedom. God is not just sitting up there looking down just waiting for me to do wrong so He can zap me. He wants to guide me in all His ways.
Dear Father,
Thank You for the Holy Spirit that You have sent to guide me into all truth and to lead me through each day as I stay connected with You. I pray that I will let nothing get in the way of my connection with You. Continue to prompt my heart throughout the day.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Stay connected with Christ and listen to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit each day.
Love you all.
Do you have a spiritual illustration from nature? I would love to hear it. Write it in the comments below.