THE LIVING DOG AND THE DEAD LION

THE LIVING DOG AND THE DEAD LION

 “But for him who is joined to all the living there is hope,

for a living dog is better than a dead lion.”

Ecclesiastes 9:4

Have you ever noticed how most of us have an inclination to complain, compare and sometimes to be pessimistic about life in general? In fact, I come to think that being unsatisfied has been impregnated in human nature since the fall of men in the Garden of Eden.

The context of the Scripture we read above has to do with hope and optimism for the living. The great king Solomon is saying that it is possible to hold hope and faith, even when the scenario is not what we would consider “perfect or ideal”.

Naturally, we always want the best for us, our family and loved ones, and as we get more and more involved in that pursuit, it becomes very easy to miss joyfulness and thankfulness for so many good things we are surrounded by. Meanwhile, the Bible is clear that “piety with contentment is a great gain.”

The image suggested of a living dog compared to a dead lion is quite graphic and pedagogical, and the teaching is clear: we should be grateful and take advantage of what we do have in its maximum capacity, instead of only whining about how different things could be. Ingratitude can easily become a slippery slope, where the more you climb, the more dangerous it becomes. It strikes me when the Lord called the fearful Gideon and said to him before sending him to an important battle against the Midianites: “use what you have in your hands”, “go in this strength of yours.”

Yes, we may not own a Ferrari, but millions have no form of transportation, whatsoever; we may not live in a multimillion dollar house, but we have a roof over our head to protect us from cold and heat, and we may also not be famous, rich or parade with the status of a celebrity, but we are alive and healthy.

Some may argue that with a living lion I can get much more things accomplished than with a dog, but this is exactly the point of the author: the lion is dead! Therefore, the best option is to take advantage of the dog, while it is still alive.

Life is but a moment, and many circumstances will try to steer us away from a life lived with gratitude. That said, it doesn’t mean we won't ever dream for great realizations or aim for awesome experiences using a living lion, but chances are, if we are ungrateful with our dog, the lion may never come, after all.

May the Lord help us to be appreciative and pleased with what He has given us, not looking only at what we could be or have, but satisfied with what we do have. You are alive, there is hope!

Wishing peace, health and many blessings to your body and soul,

Pr. Joshua Mateíne