Luke Kuepfer recently had the opportunity to share with a group of WGM missionaries a dynamic presentation (originally from www.unveilinglory.com) that seeks to restore God and his glory as front and center in all aspects of life and ministry. Participants described this message as “powerful” and “life-changing.” The presentation is based on the joke about cats and dogs, and it transformed Luke’s ministry years ago when he served in Southeast Asia. The joke goes…a dog says, “You feed me, you pet me, you shelter me, you love me…YOU must be God!” A cat says almost the same thing, “You feed me, you pet me, you shelter me, you love me…I must be God! Dogs are typically master-centric whereas cats are generally self-centered.
Many Christians, unfortunately, are like cats asking questions like what do I get out of God saving me?, what promises in the Bible can I apply to me?, or what is God’s will for my life? In contrast, Christians with a “dog” mentality are primarily concerned with their Master’s will and glory: what does God get out of creation? or what is God’s will for the world and how can I join him?
Today’s Christianity is often based on a “me-centered” theology that emphasizes the benefits to humanity and minimizes God’s glory. The gifts are desired more than the Giver. Ironically, a God-centered refocus or reframing of theology restores joy to one’s Christian walk and equips him or her to more easily “make God famous.” Which theology does your life most reflect?