Faithfulness is very important in the life of Christians. I believe faithfulness is greatness. An on again, off again, gone again, absent again person in a church, never accomplishes very much. People you can always depend on are few and far between in our day. God needs individuals who are dependable in rain or shine, always on time, with a sweet disposition. We are faithful to go to work and we should be more faithful to attend services in the Lord’s house.
My wife and I help with a mission church in Louisiana on Sunday mornings. On Sunday and Wednesday nights we attend New Zion Baptist Church where Pastor Ray Quinnelly and wife, Deborah, have been faithful for five years.
There is something unusual about New Zion Baptist Church. There is a dog named Shadow who comes to church from a quarter of a mile away, across the woods, every time the doors are open. He never misses a service. A few months ago I remember him being wounded and could hardly walk, but he limped in on time. He is such a good example for people. We rub his back and head and pay him compliments which he enjoys very much. We know Mrs. Alinda Wright and her husband, Lee, love him and take good care of him, but be wants our love too. He lies on the church porch all through every service until we get out and go home. It is amazing how he keeps up with all the service times on Sundays and Wednesdays, but he is never late, but always a few minutes early.
Shadow is always friendly, wagging his tail. He is never cross or barking at anyone. He never seems to be mad at anyone, and he doesn’t come out there gossiping and putting anyone down. He expresses appreciation by rubbing against us and wagging his tail. He never bites a soul, and never fusses about how long Pastor Ray preaches. I believe he loves everyone. His disposition shows it. He doesn’t let a heavy fog or a stormy day keep him away from church.
Dogs do not have to come to church, I know, and Shadow could be playing in the woods on Sundays and Wednesdays, but perhaps God wants to use a faithful dog to teach us faithfulness! Matthew 6:33, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew tells us here to put God first, other people second, and self last. People are watching the way we live, work and worship. We are a good example to them or either a stumbling block. Certainly we could do as well as, “A dog named Shadow.” If he could talk, I think he would say to you, “Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together in worship on a regular basis.”
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