By Mike Riley
The story is told of a small dog that was struck by a car. As it lay by the side of the road, a doctor drove by. He noticed that the dog was still alive, so he stopped his car, picked up the dog, and took him home with him. There he discovered that the dog had suffered a few minor cuts and abrasions but was otherwise all right. He revived the dog, cleaned his wounds, and then picked him up to take him to the garage, where he intended to provide a temporary bed for him.
As he carried the dog from his house to the garage, the dog wiggled free from his arms, jumped to the ground, and scampered off. “What an ungrateful dog,” the doctor said to himself. He was glad the dog had recovered so quickly but was a little miffed that the dog had shown so little appreciation for his expert and gentle care.
The doctor thought no more of the incident until the next evening when he heard a scratching at his front door. When he opened the door there was the little dog he had treated. At its side was another hurt dog! Brethren, be encouraged to know that those who hear the Gospel from you are never the same, even though you may not be the one to “see” the difference it has made in their lives, or the difference they have made in the lives of others!
Let our spiritual attitude be like that of the Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 3:5-9) and let us continue to teach and preach the Word (Mark 16:15; 2 Timothy 2:2; 2 Timothy 4:2) without expecting anything in return!