by Tom Wacaster
Now, before I say anything about application, let me assure you that I am, by no means, suggesting that we ought to treat one another like dogs. But there is a remarkable lesson to learn from my simple, but limited, experience as a dog trainer. To the Greeks, a horse that was considered “meek,” was one that had its spirit brought under control. It was now useful to its master. Seeing that one of the beatitudes reads, “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth” (Matt. 5:5), it would seem that each one of us would earnestly desire to obtain meekness, i.e. self-control of the spirit within and restraint of the tendency to rebellion that so often characterizes man. What is it about man that calls for constant reminders that there are some things that we simply cannot do? When the elders say, “We cannot do this,” or the preacher says, “No, that’s far enough,” they are simply trying to remind us that a specific act, habit, or thought is, for lack of a better word, “a no-no” in the sight of God. The more immature the child of God (whether because he is a new “babe” in Christ and has not had time to grow, or an uninformed older Christian), the more he will hear the words, “No, brother so-and-so, you cannot go that direction.” Unfortunately, some react in a negative way: “Your constant ‘no this, or no that’ is ‘negative preaching,’ and we will not be inundated with such ‘negative preaching.'” Others will believe the lie that discipline somehow warps character and stunts self-image. Were some to speak their mind they might ask the elders or preacher, “Is ‘No’ the only word in your vocabulary?” Is there any way we can convince you that all such ‘negative preaching’ (as some are wont to say) is really for your benefit?
When the Holy Spirit instructed Paul to address the pitiful situation in Corinth regarding the incestuous brother it was necessary to take extreme measures. “Put away the wicked man from among yourselves” (1 Cor. 5:13). Harsh, you say? Indeed it may have seemed that way. There were other issues in the church at Corinth that demanded serious action. “No, you can’t do that! No, you can’t do this!” Those who failed to see the need for action, or who gloried in the sin itself, might have been tempted to say to Paul, “Is not the only word in your vocabulary?” There were issues in the church at Corinth that needed strong rebuke.
My constant refrain of “no Mille,” was an attempt to bring a little animal in line with the demands of a master who loved her and wanted, in the final analysis, to provide her with a contented and happy “dog’s life.” That would only be achieved through persistent discipline and a stern reminder to her that some things simply will not be tolerated. God has communicated the same thing to you and me. His desire is that we bring our will in submission to His so that, when the period of training and preparation has passed, we can enjoy that home prepared for the saints of every age. Meanwhile, we will have to go on hearing, “No brother/sister,” and realize that though we may hear those words often, they are NOT the only words in God’s vocabulary. By His demands on our life He is really saying, “I love you; will you love me in return?”