Pet sins

Abut a year and a half ago my wife and kids convinced me that we needed a dog for a pet. For years I had fought against that notion because, quite frankly, with 4 kids I didn't think we needed a pet. We changed enough diapers and cleaned up enough messes as it is. A dog in the mix would just make our already chaotic life more hectic. But they were persuasive and even a bit pitiful in their lobbying efforts and so Bella the (mostly) chocolate Lab is now our family dog.

Why do kids want pets so badly? We all know that if you get your child a pet then the bulk of the care and maintenance for that pet will fall on you, not your children. Their initial fervor to feed and groom and walk the dog will fizzle away over time and suddenly the kids' dog becomes the parents' responsibility. We as people want pets because we long for something to place our affection and attention upon. Their is joy in taking care of an animal, of having another life dependent upon you. And truth be told, pets are usually much easier to maintain than children. Maybe that's why so many people dress their little dogs up in ridiculous clothes or fashion for them special seats for when they ride in the car.

While kids may not always be the best at taking care of animals, I have found they do a really good job of loving on them. Our dog is greatly loved and she knows that our house is her haven. If for some reason I was to suggest today that we should get rid of her, I would have a true fight on my hands. My family does not want to give up this dog. People love their pets.


In the same way we can love our sin.


I'm sure you've heard the phrase "pet sins" before. This is used to describe those sins that we nurture and take good care of, those that we are not willing to part with and, if confronted with the need to repent, we often find it easy to justify holding on to them. They aren't considered "big sins" so we continue to groom and feed them, maybe even dressing them up a little. And since they aren't "big," they fit neatly in our pocket or purse so that we can carry them wherever we go.


Truth be told most of us are familiar with some form of a "pet sin," whether we are nurturing one (or more) right now or have done so in the not so distant past. Sure, we know that sin is offensive to God but we feel that since we have confessed and given up so much of our sin that what we hold onto now pales in comparison to what we have surrendered. Yet Scripture reminds us time an again of the true nature of sin. Jesus taught us in John 8:34 that, "Everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin." You can be sure that holding on to any sin makes you the slave of that sin. And what is the result of this? "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows he will also reap." (Galatians 6:7) These "little pet sins" that we cling to are really not so little. They bring with them "short-lived pleasure" (Hebrews 11:25) that push us further away from the beauty of God.

"Pet sins" can be hard to part with. They become a part of who you are and you enjoy their company. Since it's like that there aren't many people who even know that you have a "pet sin" there can be a lack of motivation in ending the pet-owner relationship. But holiness demands that we do. Growing as a disciple of Christ is incompatible with holding on to sins. Seek accountability if you need to do so. Follow the admonition of Scripture: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." And let that dog off the leash and kick it out the door.