Duke was our first big dog. He was a 90# Chocolate Labrador who was full of energy, love, and devotion. At least I think he loved us based upon his tail wagging and random movements from side to side that greeted any family member, or any friend of a family member, or even any enemy of a family member! Yes, Duke was a friendly dog who loved people more than anything. Well, almost anything. If there was a squirrel within smelling distance, Duke might get a little preoccupied and forget about his “family.” This preoccupation seemed to trump any other thought or desire to submit to his family. And then there was leather products. Yes, Duke loved to consume, literally, leather products. We learned the expensive way to never leave a pair of leather shoes unattended with Duke!

Duke never changed throughout his life. We took him to “dog obedience” school. We taught him tricks. We worked with him for hours. But Duke had one major weakness, he loved squirrels. He could sense the presence of a squirrel a mile away (or at least it seemed that way). He would chase a squirrel at any cost. The only exception was when he was on a leash with me. I would keep him on a “short leash” and constantly let him know that I was in control. If one of our children was walking with Duke, even on a leash, he would break free every time a squirrel came within smelling distance. Unfortunately, Duke never overcame this habit. I say unfortunately because Duke was hit by a car as he broke “free” one day to chase his last squirrel.

It was a painful death as he was paralyzed for two weeks before we had to put him down. He couldn’t wag his tail when we came into the room. He couldn’t jump and move from side to side anymore. He even lost his smile that had been a permanent fixture on his face. It was sad, heartbreaking. And all because he could never learn obedience.

We are really no different. We all have squirrels in our lives. We all have things we chase because we think freedom is present there. We don’t want anyone or anything to limit our freedom. Could it be, however, that true freedom is found in obedience? One of the beautiful greetings of the Christmas Season is obedience. Without the obedience of Jesus, there would be no life on this earth. In fact, we are told that Jesus “humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:8) Because of HIS obedience, I can live today. I have found that true freedom comes through obedience. And yet too many days I’m just like Duke. I chase after squirrels! Thank God for the Greeting of Obedience freely given in the life and death of Jesus Christ!