by Harry Osborne
During the difficult days of World War II, President Roosevelt delivered a memorable speech in response to his critics. Replying to them in good humor, he said his detractors were not "content with attacks on me, or my wife, or on my sons. No, not content with that, they now include my little dog, Fala. Well, of course, I don't resent attacks, and my family doesn't resent attacks, but Fala does resent them." Roosevelt went on to say, "I am accustomed to hearing malicious falsehoods about myself -- such as that old, worm-eaten chestnut; that I have represented myself as indispensable -- but I think I have a right to resent, to object to libelous statements about my dog." It was a bit of satire which helped refocus the situation with jocularity rather than animosity.
The above occasion has been on my mind for some time as critics of those teaching the truth have leveled their attacks against faithful brethren upholding the truth. The assaults of allegation have been aimed at those defending truth and their families, but like the detractors of old, the charges have even brought implied reproach upon our favorite family pet -- our dogs. My faithful dog, Huey, has surely suffered from the bitter and caustically voiced epithets hurled in recent years. One article, entitled "Watch Them Dogs," was especially hurtful to poor Huey who prides himself on watchfulness and giving warning in the needed defense of his home and adopted family (see article by Paul Earnhart, Christianity Magazine, July 1996). In the article, poor Huey's canine heritage was reproached when the writer condemned some preachers for having a "watchdog mentality," comparing them to "a pack of snarling curs, suspicious and paranoid, biting, snarling and snapping in all directions." He further charged this group with "biting and devouring" and "looking for carrion" among other invectives. You can just imagine the forlorn look in poor Huey's eyes when his kind was denigrated in this way.
If that was not enough, he has suffered even more indignity by those who have written on some public discussion lists condemning "the watchdog, regulate the brotherhood mentality" which "smears" the character of others. Oddly enough, the same man decrying such tactics spoke in the same message of a brother as "a disgusting coward" guilty of being "like the yellow dog he is." (And he is the judge of civility and propriety?) In such a discussion, it was concluded, "The watchdogs are always hypocrites." You can just imagine the effect of this characterization upon the self-esteem of a faithful watchdog like Huey who seeks to be vigilant in warning of danger.
"His watchmen are blind, they are all without knowledge; they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; dreaming, lying down, loving to slumber. Yea, the dogs are greedy, they can never have enough; and these are shepherds that cannot understand: they have all turned to their own way, each one to his gain, from every quarter" (Isaiah 56:10-11).
This passage clearly teaches that there are good characteristics of faithful watchdogs which servants of God must emulate. Let us briefly note a few of those needed traits:
Watchfulness. Paul's instruction to those at Thessalonica was, "So then let us not sleep, as do the rest, but let us watch and be sober" (1 Thessalonians 5:6). Those who slept were summoned to "Awake!" unto faithful service (1 Corinthians 15:34; Romans 13:11-12; Ephesians 5:14). Peter also commanded, "Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). Jesus expressed the mandatory nature of watchfulness, commanding,
"Watch therefore: for ye know not when the lord of the house cometh, whether at even, or at midnight, or at cock-crowing, or in the morning; lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch" (Mark 13:35-37; see also Luke 12:35-39).
Watchfulness is a virtue, not a vice, in both good watchdogs and watchmen.
Sound A Warning. Paul exhorted the elders at Ephesus to follow his example in not only being watchful, but in warning of dangers present among God's people. He warned:
"For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears" (Acts 20:29-31).
Elders are charged with warning against and stopping the mouths of those who would lead others astray (Titus 1:9-11). Preachers of the truth are charged with the same responsibility (2 Timothy 2:16-18; 4:1-5). In fact, all Christians have that responsibility (Romans 16:17). This common charge is parallel to that given to Ezekiel long ago when he was told by God:
"Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thy hand" (Ezekiel 3:17-18).
That warning cry was not to be a quiet whisper, but the teacher of truth was told, "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and declare unto my people their transgression, and to the house of Jacob their sins" (Isaiah 58:1). Even so, we must do the same today.
Selflessness. The call of Christ demands that one sacrifice self in pursuit of a greater cause. A Christian must be ready to lose his own life for Christ's sake (Matthew 16:25). A Christian must be ready to give his own life for the brethren (1 John 3:16). We must not give priority to that which is best for self, but to that which benefits others (Philippians 2:3-8; Romans 12:10-21). The trait of selflessness is often seen in a faithful dog who will put himself in peril of death to protect the people close to him. Can we not see this characteristic exemplified in Paul as his selfless service is recorded in 2 Corinthians 11:23-31? The Hebrew writer closes a chapter praising the lives of faithful worthies by commending those who sacrificially died in faith pursuing the promise of God (Hebrews 11:32-40).
Yes, I began this article with a lighter approach in an effort to let humor make a point that might be less threatening. But I want to close with an appeal in all seriousness. Brethren, it is a sign of ignorance of truth to denigrate the God-given responsibility of watchfulness and warning. Furthermore, those who de-humanize preachers of truth by calling them dogs, and the most vile of dogs at that, need to take a long look in the mirror if they want to know the source of the current lack of civility in this time of controversy. Let us rise above such tactics and focus ourselves on an examination of truth and live thereby.