A hunter once purchased a dog to help him hunt pheasants. But he discovered that the dog was interested only in chasing rabbits. So instead of hunting pheasants, he spent his time doing what his dog preferred. Finally the hunter decided he had better leave the dog at home.

This reminds me of the apostle Paul's words in Romans 7. He wrote, "For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do" (v.15). Paul was speaking of the conflict between his old sinful tendencies and the new nature he received when he was born again. If we don't take temptation seriously, we'll be like the man in today's story. We'll find ourselves doing what we don't want to do and failing to do what we know we should.

The hunter solved his problem by taking decisive action. He equipped himself for pheasant hunting and went out without the distracting dog. That's what we must do in our spiritual life. As we prepare for each day, let's choose to obey the injunction, "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts" (Rom. 13:14).

When we yield to Christ, rely on His strength, and put Him first, we'll be able to reject the evil impulses that arise within us. That's how we "leave the dog at home."  — Richard De Haan