“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17 NIV
Duke waits under the table as we eat to ensure he doesn’t miss a crumb. Our granddaughter actively throws things in his direction and truthfully, any and all directions. Her dogs sit on each side of her high chair waiting to lick her face and hands and devour anything dropped. Burt stands and barks at you as you eat, letting his requests be known.
Articles and signs of what not to feed your dog are as plentiful as The Food Pyramid and diet information for adults. I personally don’t use onion or garlic anymore so I can share with my pups. As pet owners, we are responsible for our pets diets (at least their indoor diets). We are their accountability partners.
To be accountable is to be responsible. Our pets don’t always make the right choices in food intake and other behaviors. We team up with them to help them live their best lives. We are a family that loves and cares for each other.
So it is with our Christian family. We are united in Christ and love and care for each member. We are to speak the truth in love to help each other stay on track. It is not always easy to speak nor is it easy to hear correction. Many churches encourage accountability partners. This would be someone you can trust to always speak the truth in your best interest. Someone who will keep your confidences and pray for you to succeed in your walk with God.
James 5:16 tells us to confess our faults one to another, and pray one for another. Galatians 6:2 states, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ”. Our verse today tells us that as Christians, we can sharpen each other, making us better members of the body of Christ. Sometimes, it is easier to see the speck in your brother’s eye than the plank in your own eye (Matthew 7:5). With an accountability partner, you can both see clearly.
Of course, Jesus is our greatest accountability partner. I John 1:9 tells us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness”. If you are like our dogs though, find that one trusted friend who has your best interests at heart, to help you be a Christian who is as sharp as a tack.
Just Another Dog Devotion 