It is the landmark study of the mental mindset of defenders. Dave launched the label “Sheepdog” which resonates with defenders. It all started with his essay, “On Sheep, Wolves and Sheepdogs.” That now-classic essay has become the credo to those who devote themselves to protecting others. It answers the hard question: Why do we protect?

“I’m Not Your Dog”

In On Combat, I introduced the concept of “sheepdog as a protector” (and received a US Government Trademark for it). In volume one of On Spiritual Combat this model went a step further, introducing the concept of “sheepdogs under the authority of the Great Shepherd.”

That metaphor is a model that has helped me understand my relationship with God. I know that we will be adopted into the family of God as His beloved children. But most days, it is all I can barely do to think of myself as God’s faithful dog.

My dog (a chocolate lab whose specialty is finding and “lab testing” any chocolate anywhere in the house) runs into the neighbor’s yard whenever she is off the leash. And she will roll in something stinky and filthy as soon as she gets the chance. But I understand that this is part of her nature, and I still love her.

In the same way, God knows my every sin, my every failing, but he still loves me. (Oh, and one other important point about this relationship? I understand God, about as well as my dog understands everything about me!)

This is how God feels about us! We may roll around in some bad stuff, but we always come back to the Lord, who cleanses us and loves us! This is Puritan theology in loving terms that modern Christians can understand.

All we ask of our dogs is to be devoted to us. And the only way our dogs can survive in a world they cannot comprehend – a world of dangerous streets and unforgiving laws — is to trust us and obey us.

In the same way, it is not our place to put expectations on the Creator of the Universe. We have no rational right or reasonable expectation to do so. But it is absolutely right and appropriate for God to put expectations on us. And what God asks of us it to be devoted to him, and to trust and obey him.

We are the hounds of heaven! God’s faithful, loving, obedient sheepdogs, dedicated to protecting the flock! We love our master, the Great Shepherd! It is all he asks of us. And that’s good because it is all we have to give.

Will Rogers said, “If you get to thinking you’re a person of some influence, try ordering somebody else’s dog around.” So, when the evil one comes for you and yours, look him in the eye and tell him he has no power over you. Just say, “Hey, I’m not your dog.”

From the book On Spiritual Combat: Vol. 2, coming in 2023