Where’s Bear?

The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.

JODY BELIEVED HER DOG, MOLLY, a two-year-old border collie–Lab mix, was the smartest dog she had ever had. Molly had earned top honors when she completed puppy school and had quickly moved up the obedience school ladder, earning a Canine Good Citizen certificate well before her first birthday.

Molly had an impressive list of tricks she would run through whenever Jody’s friends stopped by. And most impressive to Jody, Molly knew her left from her right and could find a specific toy when asked.

Molly’s advanced intelligence amazed Jody. But it also amused her.

Jody had learned from Molly that you could be ridiculously smart and still be incredibly gullible.

Molly adored her best friend Bear—a big, gentle three-year-old Rottweiler who lived next door. The two were together almost every day. Any time Molly heard someone say Bear’s name, she would run to the back door in anticipation of playing with her friend—regardless of the time of day or if she had just come in from seeing Bear.

Jody’s kids used the “Bear card” when Molly had one of their socks in her mouth and they wanted her to let go.

“Where’s Bear?” they would ask excitedly. And without fail, Molly would drop the sock in one of the kids’ hands before racing toward the back door.

Jody used the “Bear card” when she was trying to get work done at home and Molly started barking.

And Jody’s husband used the “Bear card” when he wanted to enjoy a bowl of ice cream without Molly drooling all over his feet . . . because he found it amusing.

Sometimes Molly’s humans felt a little guilty for tricking their dog, but she didn’t seem to mind.

After all, she may have been gullible, but she was smart enough to know that one of those times the back door would open and she would get to romp with Bear.

Wait! Did someone say Bear?

PAWS & PONDER . . .

What are the dangers of gullibility? Have you ever trusted the wrong person? What was the result? What role does discernment play in taking others at their word? What steps do you need to ponder today?

Paws & Pray

God, you are most trustworthy and good. Grant me the discernment I need to navigate relationships. Enable me, by your Spirit, to know who I can trust and who I cannot. Teach me to be a trustworthy person so I can point others to you.

An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.