Posted on by Lori Cartmell

Smoothing Out the Rough Spots

All of us have a few rough edges, don’t we?

We may be a bit bristly with people; we may have a short fuse; or we may have a puffed-up ego.

The problem is that no one likes having their rough edges smoothed out.

In the Bible, this process is called sanctification. It’s the way by which God makes a believer more like Jesus. It involves progressive spiritual growth and holiness.

And it’s not always easy or comfortable.

Sanctification to me is rather like sanding down a beat-up antique before refinishing it.

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Posted on by Lori Cartmell

Are You a Cat or a Dog?

It’s hard to embarrass a cat. They just don’t seem to have a sense of shame.

If they’ve done something naughty, like shredded the fabric on your expensive couch with their claws, they’re not actually sorry about it. They’re just ticked off that you’re making such a big fuss about it.

Cats seem to lack the ability to be repentant.

Dogs, on the other hand, can definitely feel and show contrition.

Just take a look at the plethora of “dog-shaming” videos online.

Dog owners upload clips in which they confront their mutts with the evidence of their misdeeds. The owners come home to garbage-strewn rooms, destroyed furniture, and chewed-up shoes. The disaster area is documented on video, and then the camera pans to the dog…

The results are often hilarious.

The mutt slinks off with its tail between its legs, or else sits there looking sheepish and trying not to meet their owner’s eyes. The pooch might even try to hide in a cupboard.

Yes, dogs know when they’ve done something wrong.

The question is, do we?

Are we quick to ask God’s forgiveness when we sin, or do we justify our behaviour to ourselves and continue in our disobedience?

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