The Puppy and His Parasites

This puppy was covered with parasites and had lost a lot of his hair. He was used to being avoided because of he was so nasty. Then, I decided to do something about it. Although I hate parasites and really didn't want to touch him, my daughter and I gave him a bath. It was as simple as that. Cover his mangy coat with pet shampoo, rub it in with our hands, and rinse him off. The problem? We had to touch him. We had to caress the eggs, fleas and ticks swarming his skin. It was gross! I mean really gross! One of the black ticks jumped. But, the flat brown bugs were soggy and creepy.

We have the answer for getting rid of spiritual parasites. But, it requires us to come in contact with people who may not be used to being touched, paid attention to, or loved unconditionally. It requires us to enter into relationships with people who are a sometimes teeming with spiritual ticks. Why? Because it is by making disciples that we rub the shampoo of the gospel of Jesus Christ into the souls of those who are plagued by spiritual parasites.

Why did I decide to help this nameless puppy? Mercy. Why should we leave our comfort zones bring Dr. Jesus to the sick and the dying? Because that used to be us and Someone had mercy on us.