CHARACTERS

For various reasons they land at our local animal shelter. Some came from litters, some found as strays. Some were given up, perhaps because an owner died or could no longer care for a pet.  And some were abused or even, well, bad.  Every week our small-town newspaper features “Adopt a Pet” ads where shelter cats’ and dogs’ positive qualities are extolled. But just to keep truth in advertising, the write-ups include cautions.

*Some have Cage Trauma, like these cats: “Shelter life is hard for this gentle feline.” “This kitty has been frightened of shelter life but is gradually finding it’s not all that bad.”

*Some have lots of energy that needs directed: “This dog is very intelligent and will need games to stimulate his mind.”  “She’s a show dog or rather a showoff dog who loves to entertain you and your friends.”

*Some were abused:  “This dog is crazy in love with humans and it’s a wonder since he hasn’t been treated well in the past. He is looking forward to a nice big doggie bed and someone to love.”

ABOUT THOSE CHARACTER GAPS....
Reading these made me think of those “love connection” websites where the whole truth about character isn’t always revealed. Some have done okay with such sites; others have stepped into minefields. That’s because “compatibility” is more than shared interests and hobbies. It also involves integrity and personal growth issues, as described in best-selling Christian author-psychologist Dr. Henry Cloud’s leadership book, Integrity (Harper, 2006).

Cloud observed that some people have gaps in showing good character “because they are unwilling to make the shifts that character demands. They kind of ‘flip off’ reality, the light, wisdom, or whatever influence comes into their lives.  They have a stance that is past resistance and is defiant.  For them, we can try to motivate, but ultimately, they have to make a choice.” Some people blame their past or genes for bad character. But Cloud challenges those excuses, saying each person can make decisions to change the negative parts of who they are.

If only people were as easy to retrain as pets.  If only a comfortable bed and appetizing kibbles made a difference.  Changing the negative parts of a personality and world outlook is hard work. As for those who’ve tried to help people who struggle with life and relationships, Cloud adds: “If you are trying so help someone, and he is not responding after many attempts by you to help, he may just be resistant. You might do better to spend your time with someone who really wants to change" (p. 278). 

Does that remind you of some of the sick people Jesus encountered? Like the disabled man who hung out by a Jerusalem water reservoir begging for alms, unaware that the Healer—the One able to bring spiritual and physical wholeness--stood in front of him (John 5:13)?

There are no guarantees that those animals offered for adoption will work out in their new home. Animals can be resilient but also stubborn.  So, too, a human—except for the amazing grace of Christ who’s in the business of transformation, building the character that honors Him.