Some folks’ view of God is similar to how a dog views us humans.  We feed the dog, groom the dog, pet the dog, and take the dog for a walk.  Then the dog looks up with his big brown eyes, wags his tail with appreciation, and seems to say, “Thank you for caring for me.  You must be God.” 

Other people see God more as a cat sees us.  We feed the cat, care for the cat, and rub the cat’s back.  Then the cat looks down with his haughty eyes, walks away proudly, and calls out, “Thank you for serving me.  I must be God.” 

Although dogs and cats have different mentalities, they both base their relationship with their masters on what their masters can do for them. 

Unfortunately, many Christians have a dog or cat mentality in their relationship with God.  Some, like the dog, are quick to acknowledge God for his kindness.  Others, like the cat, go through life thinking God owes them something.  But both see God mostly for what he can do for them or for what they can do for him. 

I love doing things with my three beautiful grandchildren – like taking hikes, playing games and telling stories.   I look forward to attending their school activities, taking them on trips, and doing all the other things grandfathers ought to do for their grandchildren. 

But I am also thankful to have grandchildren for what they can do for me.  Eventually I may rely on them to cut my grass, to take me on hikes and trips, or just to keep me company.   

However, my love for my grandchildren has nothing to do with what I can do for them or what they can do for me.  Whether they are good or bad, I will still love them.  If they succeed or fail, I will still love them.  If they embrace me or reject me, I will still love them. 

I love them simply because they are my grandchildren.  I will be disappointed if they fail to live up to what God intends for them, but I will still love them.  

In the same way, God desires a relationship with us that goes beyond what we can do for him or what he can do for us.   Unfortunately most people are more concerned about getting things from God than they are about knowing him better.  Most people pray much more for physical healing, financial prosperity, or divine protection than they do for spiritual growth or for God’s will in their lives. 

God cares about our physical well being.  The Bible says not even a sparrow is forgotten by God.  “Don’t worry,” Jesus assures us, “you are worth more than many sparrows.”  (Luke 12:7) 

But God’s primary concern for us is that we come to him through Jesus Christ, accept his forgiveness, dedicate our lives to him, and follow his Word.  In doing so, we can enter into a relationship that is not based on fear nor on receiving, but on love. 

Things like health, possessions, and good times will eventually all come to an end, but a relationship with God will last forever.