Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. Philippians 3:2
I failed to notice the big warning sign on the pole in front of the farmhouse. As I approached the front porch, a scruffy and angry-looking brown dog leaped out at me and I fled, barely making it to the car in time. I then looked around and there was the sign, ‘Beware of Dog”. If I had seen that sign, I would never have entered the yard. I know what a dog bite feels like and have no wish to relive the experience. I heed ‘Beware of Dog’ signs, if I see them. The apostle Paul puts a ‘Beware of Dogs’ sign in today’s text, and it’s good advice, but I don’t think he had yappy, snappy canines in mind when he wrote it. What dogs is he talking about, and why is he telling us to beware of them?
Dr. Scofield suggests Paul was referring to dogs mentioned in Isaiah 56. If so, we do well to beware of these dogs. Isaiah 56 speaks of dogs that are too lazy to bark and dogs that are too greedy to be satisfied. Laziness and greed are definitely two of the worst enemies of a Christian.
Dogs bark for two two good reasons: to issue a warning and to send a greeting. Christians must also issue warnings, as we preach, live, and support the Gospel. We also need to communicate with other Christians throughout our days, gathering with them at meetings, socializing with them, and working with them. A Christian who is too lazy or disinterested to be involved in the Gospel, or who is not keeping company with the saints is falling prey to the dog of laziness.
Many dogs simply don’t know when to stop eating. They gorge themselves until they become sick. They don’t know when they have had enough. That’s a poor trait for a Christian who is gathering his living from this world. We need to work to supply our table with food and to clothe and shelter our families. But sometimes, we fail to stop when we have enough, and we become spiritually sick. Nothing is wrong with earning money, unless it interferes with our relationship with our God. If our motive is greed, we are in trouble.
The ‘Beware of Dog’ sign in today’s text is good advice. Make sure you are not bitten by the dogs of laziness or greed. – Jim MacIntosh