Willie the Church Dog: A Simple Reminder of God's Universal Love

Willie is our church dog, and he's one of the best-behaved members of our congregation, especially during worship. His journey with us began when one of our members needed a therapy dog for a season, and eventually, Willie became a beloved part of the church family.

While Willie is a dog and clearly not a professing, born-again believer in Jesus Christ, he serves as a simple reminder of an important truth: We are all unique. We come from different backgrounds, face different challenges, and have individual stories. But in the end, we are all just ordinary people—no better or worse than anyone else.

Even the Apostle Peter had to learn this lesson. As one of Jesus' disciples, Peter was called to follow Christ and become a "fisher of men." He was a Jew, circumcised according to Jewish law, and fully devoted to Jesus. However, he struggled with viewing Gentiles—non-Jews—as equals.

In Acts 10, we read the story of Peter's encounter with Cornelius, a Roman centurion and a Gentile. Led by the Holy Spirit, Peter visited Cornelius' home, where he experienced a significant revelation. Acts 10:25-26 highlights this moment: "As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. But Peter made him get up. 'Stand up,' he said, 'I am only a man myself.'"

For years, Peter believed he was superior to Gentiles. But after the resurrection of Jesus, His ascension to Heaven, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in Peter's life, Peter realized a powerful truth: He was simply a man, just like everyone else.

In truth, many people today believe they are "better" than others. Whether due to wealth, career status, or material possessions, some might feel superior. But one of the greatest lessons we can learn is that we are all just people—ordinary, everyday individuals. We are all born, we all experience life, and we will all eventually pass away. Ultimately, no one is better than anyone else.

Regardless of what clubs we belong to or where we shop, we are all human beings, deeply loved by Jesus Christ. We are all fallen due to sin and in need of His grace and forgiveness. So, take a moment to breathe, relax, and appreciate the simple truth: You are no better or worse than the billions of people around the world. Enjoy being the unique person that God created you to be.