Must Love Dogs

2 P & P Weekly Blog for 17-23 February 2024

A family playing with their dog at the beach

Many years ago there was a movie out called “Must Love Dogs.” In the film, Sarah (Diane Lane), plays a 40 year old woman who is recently divorced. She is re-entering the dating world. Her sister creates an online dating profile for her. Simultaneously, Jake (John Cusack), decides to also try Internet dating. “Must love dogs” is one of Sarah’s written requirements. Problem is, she doesn’t own a dog; neither, does Jake. They both “borrow” canines from friends trying to please one another.

I am what you might call an “animal lover.” If it can be petted, loved, can be held in your hands or arms, or observed among God’s creations—I’m all-in. There are a few exceptions. For instance, I have only a mediocre-attraction to reptiles, and no attraction to arachnids. But otherwise, from baby chicks to cats to dogs to lions to tigers to bunnies, to the feathered or furry—it’s usually love at first sight. Doug, on the other hand, likes some animals, but between cats and dogs, he is a cat person.

So I was thinking of those of us who love animals, enjoy all of creation—and this movie popped into my head. Its title, “Must Love Dogs,” got me to thinking.

What is the one thing or person that we love above all else. Is it God? In other words, what if “MUST LOVE GOD,” became our life slogan? How would our lives change? What effect would that viewpoint have on our day-to-day living? How would it affect our dating relationships, marriages, our work situations, our church, and our serving, etc.? How would our priorities change? Or would they?

Maybe if we wrote “Must Love God”  on our bathroom mirror or put a post-it on our desk, or lived intentionally with Jesus as the focus, life would be a little easier and more fulfilling. This phrase may be a new way to say what you already know. In the Bible, we are commanded to: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind;’ and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Luke 10:27 NIV

It is first recorded in Deuteronomy 6:5, is found here in Luke, and is also referenced in Matthew. But in reading this verse today, I noticed something. The flow of the words, unlike mine, have no commas. There are no pauses between the commands to love God—with all of our heart and soul and mind and strength. So maybe this is worth noting. All of these are combined. They are interwoven and we should be seeking God in all these ways. These pursuits are to be in tandem, not necessarily looked at as individual directives.

If we love God above all else, perhaps some of the things that we think are missing from our lives would suddenly fall into place. Maybe seeking God with our whole being would make us whole. For the One Who gives us our strength and sound minds and beating hearts, wants us to love Him, then pour that love generously into others.

So whether you are a cat person, a dog person, a fish, insect, or a reptile person … I hope, above all else, you are a God person. And if we are blessed to be in love or fall in love with that special someone, …hopefully, it will be for a life-time. That is how Jesus loves you! 

This is a Sample Entry from the Let Everything That Has Life … Praise Devotional. It’s Vol II of the Creation’s Kaleidoscope Series. This set features a Devotional, Journal, and Verse Journal. Click here for the full book description, a look inside, and more!

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