Weekly Words

Pet Store Religion

While studying at Starbucks the other day, a lady and her young, energetic, cute, and cuddly puppy caught my eye. It was a young Golden Retriever that had all the vibrancy of an animal that had seen nothing but the best days and simply yearned for fun, frolicking, and Love. I began to reminisce about the best moments of my former life as a dog owner – the unfailing enthusiasm that Cosmo and Manhattan (my two yorkies) would have each and every time I walked in the door; the moments cuddled on the couch watching TV; the time I had to save them from drowning in a duck pond on a golf course after they chased ducks and realized they weren’t the best swimmers when they got in the deepest waters. Then I began thinking about the money spent on toys, food, and trips to the veterinarian, the many mornings I had to walk them and did not feel like getting up, the times I had to provide for their care in my absence on a trip or vacation, or the hours spent cleaning carpet from potty training and slip ups. I soon realized why many people Love going to the pet store or playing with other people’s dogs, but somehow never take the next step to buy a dog. Most of us want the cute-ness and the cuddly-ness of playing with a puppy without the commitment of possessing and being responsible for a life. I call this a pet store mentality.

As we turn our backs on this latest Valentine’s Day, and as I reflect on the complaints of many of my sisters in Christ and humanity, I realize that many women charge men with some version of this phenomenon. It is often said that men want the privileges of companionship, without the responsibilities of commitment. Can you imagine that!?!? Somehow, and for some reason, some women have in their minds that a man will want to take a woman out, bring a woman in, and get advice, attention, and affection from her, all the while not wanting to be supportive of her dreams, responsible for her feelings, or faithful to their relationship. I know, I know many of you are asking where I get some of these crazy ideas. Nevertheless, many of us (men and women) have a pet store mentality when it comes to relationships. We are always ready for the fun and festivities of having company, but hesitant to give the dedication, discipline, and sacrifice of making a commitment. I call this a pet store relationship.

Unfortunately, the pet store mentality creeps into many of our spiritual lives. Many of us want to enjoy the benefits of worship and the blessings of God in our lives, without ever deeply considering God’s call on our lives and what God would have us do with our lives. So we go to church on Sunday hoping to receive the joy of community, the inspiration of good music, or the encouragement of “a Word,” all the while never quite ready to cut out some of our social time in order to service, lend our talents and gifts for ministry, or sacrifice any of our money for higher purposes. Just like that cute little puppy Golden Retriever at Starbucks needs more than a pat on the forehead, a scratch behind the ear, or a rub on the belly, God (and YOUR SPIRIT for that matter) needs more than attendance on Sunday, a holy e-mail forward, or a facebook shout-out. Nevertheless most of us are content to want God to move, without ever moving us; happy asking God to work in our lives, without wanting God to use our lives for God’s work. I call this pet store religion.

Humbly in Christ’s Love,
Pastor B.A. Jackson