Each New Year’s Eve I used to brood
On my misdoings of the past,
And vowed: “This year I’ll be so good –
Well, haply better than the last.”
My record of reforms I read
To Mum who listened sweetly to it:
“Why plan all this, my son?” she said;
“Just do it.”

Of her wise words I’ve often thought –
Aye, sometimes with a pang of pain,
When resolutions come to naught,
And high resolves are sadly vain;
The human heart from failure bleeds;
Hopes may be wrecked so that we rue them . . .
Don’t let us dream of lovely deeds –
Just do them.

And so, my son, uphold your pride.
Believe serenely in your soul.
Just take things in a steady stride,
Until behold! you’ve gained your goal.
But if, perchance, you frame a plan
Of conduct, let it be a free one:
Don’t try to make yourself a man –
Just be one.

– “Resolutions” by Robert William Service

Every year across the globe, New Year’s resolutions are made, and New Year’s resolutions are broken. I wager that 2026 will be no exception. Men and women and boys and girls everywhere will plan to make their “tomorrow self” better than their “today self”. Such resolve is most admirable. Yet many fail to realize this one simple fact: one’s “tomorrow self” is determined by one’s “today self”. Bound by the laws of time and space, we humans only every really live in “today”. Just as soon as “tomorrow” arrives, well…it’s not really “tomorrow” anymore, is it? Mr. Service’s mother spoke well when she said, “why plan all this, my son? Just do it.” She understood that the only way young Robert could ever change his “tomorrow self” was by changing his “today self”, for tomorrow follows today.

In my homemaking, I spend a great deal of time thinking about My Tomorrow Self. Many nights I have felt tired and been tempted to leave a task partially or completely unfinished. To my husband’s great amusement, I am often known to say, “but if I do this now, my tomorrow self will thank me for it!” Whether it’s wiping a surface, loading the dishwasher, or putting away a load of laundry, I am always pleased with myself when I power through and “just do it.” True to the previous night’s prediction, I wake up the next day applauding my “yesterday self” for making life a bit easier for my “today self”.

As we welcome another New Year, are you starting to think about your “tomorrow self”? Are you wondering what life will be like for her? Are you questioning whether your “2026 self” is slated to be in a better place than your “2025 self”? To find answers, you don’t need to consult a crystal ball. You don’t need to consult your horoscope. You don’t need to consult the local fortune-teller. If you are wanting to know about your “tomorrow self”, what you need to be doing is consulting your “today self”. In this month’s article, My Tomorrow Self, I will be sharing 3 “predictions” that I have for my New Year. May it help you to stop focusing so much on planning and start focusing more on doing.

This is how I foresee My Tomorrow Self, 2026 edition. #1:

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She girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong. – Proverbs 31:17

The state of My Tomorrow Self‘s soma depends largely on the choices I make for my soma today.

My Tomorrow Self will be healthy because today I am eating nutritious foods. I am nourishing my body with clean eating, and keeping my intake of processed sugar and chemicals low.

My Tomorrow Self will be healthy because today I am executing portion control. I am eating to live (rather than living to eat), and having the self-discipline to know when I’ve eaten my fill.

My Tomorrow Self will be healthy because today I am getting enough exercise. I am moving my body regularly, and resisting the temptation to be lazy.

My Tomorrow Self will be healthy because today I am strictly monogamous. I am staying faithful to my husband, and guarding our sexuality.

My Tomorrow Self will be healthy because today I am rejecting substance abuse. I am free from addiction, and not enslaved to cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs.

If you want to know about the healthfulness of your “tomorrow self”, then take a long, hard look at your “today self”. Are the choices you are making today paving the way for her better tomorrow?

“Why plan all this, my son?” she said; “Just do it.” Your “tomorrow self” will thank you for it!

[Disclaimer: Allow me to remind you that today’s points are merely “predictions“. Any one of us can become sick, sustain injuries, and even die in spite of healthy somatic choices. I am neither claiming that healthy choices make us invincible, nor that each and every health struggle is the consequence of unhealthy choices. What I am saying is that healthy choices better our chances for future success.]

This is how I foresee My Tomorrow Self, 2026 edition. #2:

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She looks for wool and flax and works with her hands in delight. – Proverbs 31:13

The state of My Tomorrow Self‘s soul depends largely on the choices I make for my soul today.

My Tomorrow Self will be happy because today I am honing my abilities. I am focusing on areas of skill that I want to improve, and figuring out how to proceed from good to great.

My Tomorrow Self will be happy because today I am building relationships. I am making room for like-minded individuals in my life, and limiting contact with toxic people.

My Tomorrow Self will be happy because today I am practicing gratitude. I am taking note of the blessings in my life, and finding reasons to rejoice in spite of my sorrows.

My Tomorrow Self will be happy because today I am living in the moment. I am mentally present for my daily activities, and not obsessing over what’s next on the agenda.

My Tomorrow Self will be happy because today I am prioritizing self-care. I am taking the time to do some of the hobbies that I enjoy, and not allowing myself to burn out.

If you want to know about the happiness of your “tomorrow self”, then take a long, hard look at your “today self”. Are the choices you are making today paving the way for her better tomorrow?

“Don’t let us dream of lovely deeds – Just do them.“ Your “tomorrow self” will thank you for it!

This is how I foresee My Tomorrow Self, 2026 edition. #3:

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Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. – Proverbs 31:30

The state of My Tomorrow Self‘s spirit depends largely on the choices I make for my spirit today.

My Tomorrow Self will be holy because today I am reading my Bible. I am seeking God’s will through His written word, and aligning myself with the eternal principles I find therein.

My Tomorrow Self will be holy because today I am praying ceaselessly. I am petitioning the Lord for the needs of my future, and praising Him for present and past blessings.

My Tomorrow Self will be holy because today I am cultivating femininity. I am living out my faith in a way that is distinctly female, and carrying the banner for Biblical Gender Ethics.

My Tomorrow Self will be holy because today I am fostering trust. I am placing my hope in the perfect timing of God’s plan, and believing that He will never desert or forsake me.

My Tomorrow Self will be holy because today I am serving others. I am looking for needs that I can meet, and lightening the load of my fellow man when it is in my power to do so.

If you want to know about the holiness of your “tomorrow self”, then take a long, hard look at your “today self”. Are the choices you are making today paving the way for her better tomorrow?

“Don’t try to make yourself a [wo]man – Just be one.“ Your “tomorrow self” will thank you for it!

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In conclusion…

Do you want your “2026 self” to be healthy, happy, and holy? Forget the crystal ball. Forget the horoscope. Forget the local fortune-teller. Only your “today self” has the power to predict the future for your “tomorrow self”. The choices you make today for your soma, soul, and spirit are carving out her reality. On those weary days when you just don’t feel like showing up, you have to remind yourself, “but if I do this now, my tomorrow self will thank me for it.” You have to start treating your “tomorrow self” like you would your best friend. Power through. Don’t give up. Just do it…for her.

I get to make the call on whether or not my “2026 self” is healthy, happy, and holy. At the end of the day (literally and figuratively), My Tomorrow Self is me. And because of who I choose to be today…

…she smiles at the future. – Proverbs 31:25b

For God’s glory,
Mrs. Dustin Bolks

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Chaste Bolks is a church of Christ preacher’s wife, and the home educating mother of two children. She and her family currently reside in Northwest Iowa.

Wars have been and wars will be
Till the human race is run;
Battles red by land and sea,
Never peace beneath the sun.
I am old and little care;
I’ll be cold, my lips be dumb:
Brother mine, beware, beware . . .
Evil looms the wrath to come.

Eastern skies are dark with strife,
Western lands are stark with fear;
Rumours of world-war are rife,
Armageddon draweth near.
If your carcase you would save,
Hear, oh hear, the dreadful drum!
Fly to forest, cower in cave . . .
Brother, heed the wrath to come!

Brother, you were born too late;
Human life is but a breath.
Men delve deep, where darkly wait
Sinister the seeds of death,
There’s no moment to delay;
Sorrowing the stars are blind.
Little Brother, how I pray
You may sanctuary find.
Peoples of the world succumb . . .
Fly, poor fools, the WRATH TO COME!

– “Little Brother” by Robert William Service

As I peruse this cautionary poem from a big brother to his little brother, I wonder how it would be received by that “little brother,” were there such a living, breathing recipient. Would “Little Brother” take the warning to heart, pack his bags, and be on the next plane out? Would he dismiss the message as only mildly important, shelve it, and promise himself to give it more attention at a later date? Would he scoff in disbelief, crumple up the note, and throw it in the garbage? The big brother sounded a warning…but would his little brother listen?

As I write to you today, I feel a lot like the big brother in our poem. I see danger looming in the not-so-far-off distance. I feel compelled to cry out, “fly, poor fools, the wrath to come!” I fear that many will dismiss or even scoff at my words of warning. Just the same, I feel a fire burning in my bones to warn all of my “little sisters” of doom on the horizon. If only one sister takes the message to heart, my words will not have been in vain.

In today’s article, MAJOR Minor Problems, I will be sounding the warning about three very real dangers I see in our present-day youth culture. Lest there be any head scratching, this title isn’t an oxymoron, but a pun: I intend to unveil some MAJOR problems concerning today’s minors (“minors” being those members of society who are below the legal age of majority. For those of us who live in the United States of America, this term describes any person less than 18 years old). The first MAJOR problem concerning today’s minors is…

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A woman shall not wear man’s clothing, nor shall a man put on a woman’s clothing; for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord your God. – Deuteronomy 22:5

Written into God’s law is a grave warning against women imitating men and men imitating women. While some may argue that we are no longer under OT Law (agreed), I assert that the moral truth of this passage stands the test of time. In fact, the New Testament reiterates that “[no] effeminate…shall inherit the kingdom of God“. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10) Note that the sin of effeminacy is distinct from the sin of homosexuality mentioned in the very same text. To put it simply, not only is it wrong for one to be a homosexual, but it’s also wrong for one to act like a homosexual. That is what Deuteronomy 22:5 is ultimately driving at. See, a person’s clothing is closely tied to their identity. Women who desire to be perceived as masculine will wear masculine clothing, and men who desire to be perceived as feminine will wear feminine clothing. Those who imitate the opposite gender, portraying a false identity, are described as “abominations” to the Lord our God.

Danger, danger! Our present-day youth culture has a MAJOR minor problem: the biology problem. We are living in a time when gender confusion is becoming more and more “normal”. There is the obvious extreme of transgenderism, but I assume most of you reading my blog are already deeply opposed to such an extreme, thus requiring little warning about the topic. Transgenderism is not nearly as rampant as the media would have us believe. Most of today’s youth are not undergoing sex changes or hormone therapy. Most of today’s youth are not asking to be identified by different “pronouns” than they were “assigned at birth”. Most of today’s youth do not consider themselves members of the “LGBTQ+ community”. (In fact, current data reveals that only 9.3% of all Americans identify as anything other than heterosexual in 2025.) To warn against the dangers of transgenderism and homosexuality is certainly valid, but it is not my goal today. The danger I am here to warn you about is much more hidden, much more subtle, and much more far-reaching: androgyny.

an·​drog·​y·​ny
noun
the quality or state of being neither specifically feminine or masculine, or
the combination of feminine and masculine characteristics.

Even without the sex changes, the hormone therapy, the different pronouns, and the LGBTQ+ membership, our present-day youths are finding ways to press boundaries and blur the lines between male and female. As a general rule, today’s girls are getting harder, and today’s boys are getting softer. We, as a society, are losing touch with the qualities that make each gender unique. The most liberal among us cannot even explain the difference between a man and a woman. But I’m afraid that neither can most conservatives. Sure, your average conservative can point out some obvious differences (i.e. a man has a penis, a woman has a vagina; a man has pecks, a woman has breasts; only a man can impregnate, only a woman can be pregnant; and so on and so forth). But aside from these rudimentary examples, many still do not know what makes a man a man, or what makes a woman a woman. In the year 2025, masculinity and femininity are out, and androgyny is in.

Gone are the days when gritty guys like John Wayne were role models for boys, and lovely ladies like Audrey Hepburn were role models for girls. By and large, the celebrities that today’s teens idolize are feminized young men and masculinized young women…cheap replicas of the opposite gender. The film, music, and video game industries are hotbeds of gender confusion. One of the biggest offenders is anime, which is increasingly popular with today’s youth. Stemming from Asia (note: the world’s least Christian continent), anime routinely glorifies the “pretty boy” and the “tough girl”. Though not as blatant (yet), American television is following the same trajectory as the Eastern world. Male characters are often sensitive, emotional, and tragic (emulating feminine features) while female characters are unaffected, logical, and carefree (emulating masculine features). Instead of the good old-fashioned “damsel-in-distress” trope, we now see a female lead, strong and sure, swooping in to rescue the poor, pitiful male lead. In the music world, male singers are hitting the high notes, and female singers are hitting the low notes. Modern video games (such as Fortnite) teach boys how to dance in a disturbingly effeminate style. Have no illusions: none of these trends are coincidental. They are part of an intentional plan to disorient, disconnect, dismantle, and destroy the nuclear family…the bedrock of civilization.

I am calling on all mothers to do their part in combating The Biology Problem. Do what you can to prevent today’s gender-confused celebrities from infiltrating your home. Make it a point to select your children’s films, music, video games, and even books with great caution. (However, always defer to your husband’s judgment as the head of his home.) Teach your boys how a man behaves…how he walks and talks and dresses and wears his hair. Do the same for your girls. Show them how a woman conducts herself…from how she moves and speaks, to her clothing and hairstyle selections. Unless men be men and women be women, civilization will surely crumble and fall. And “if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3)

Make boys masculine again! Make girls feminine again! This is how we beat the MAJOR biology problem.

The second MAJOR problem concerning today’s minors is…

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Now flee from youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. – 2 Timothy 2:22

There are four things that the New Testament explicitly warns us to “flee” from: 1.) immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18), 2.) idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:14), 3.) avarice (1 Timothy 6:10-11), and 4.) youthful lusts (see above). Many parents are not only neglecting to actively restrain their teenagers from these things, but are even allowing them to openly embrace two of the four: immorality and youthful lusts. “What do you mean, ‘openly embrace’ those things?” you might ask. Well, our culture calls it teen dating. I call it glorified divorce practice.

Danger, danger! Our present-day youth culture has a MAJOR minor problem: the chronology problem. We are living in a time when adolescents are given license “to have and to hold” each other…before they have come of age to vow the same before God and man. Often, these adolescents have little supervision and even less self-restraint. They kiss, cuddle, make out, grope, etc. and are merely cautioned not to “go all the way”. This is the folly of follies, mothers. It’s like handing a toddler a gun and telling them to play with it, but not to shoot anyone. It’s like giving a diabetic a chocolate cake and telling them to have a smell, but not a taste. It’s like leaving a burglar in a mall overnight and expecting them to come out empty handed. It’s like fanning a flame and thinking it won’t burn. God warns us to flee immorality and youthful lusts for a reason. He knows that two people who love each other are going to, well…love each other. This is why 1 Corinthians 7:9 says: if they do not have self-control, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn (i.e. with passion). Marriage is the cure for immorality and youthful lusts. But here’s where the problem lies: minors (generally speaking) can’t get married! If your teen isn’t ready to marry, then they certainly aren’t ready to burn with passion (read: date).

Anyone who is unmarried (and furthermore, is not in a position to get married anytime soon) has no business being in a physically romantic relationship. Again and again I have witnessed two teenagers who were “head over heels in love” – teenagers who kissed, cuddled, made out, groped, and (more often than not) engaged in sexual activity – go their separate ways. On they go to kiss, cuddle, make out, grope, and (more often than not) engage in sexual activity with the next person. How any Christian parent thinks this is acceptable teen behavior is beyond me. Even if your adolescent doesn’t “go all the way” with their boyfriend/girlfriend, they are giving themselves in impure ways to someone who is not their husband/wife. Let me ask you this: are we as Christians okay with married people kissing someone who is not their spouse? How about cuddling them, or making out with them, or groping them? If not, why not? Could it have anything to do with the fact that such pleasures are reserved for husbands and wives? Now, I’m not suggesting going to the extreme that some parents go to: “no touching the opposite gender”. Rather, I am suggesting, “no touching the opposite gender in romantic ways”. If that guideline is too vague, here is a simple example for all singles: how does a brother touch his sister/how does a sister touch her brother? Siblings don’t refrain from all touch, but they do refrain from romantic touch. Not to be vulgar, but I wouldn’t be caught dead swapping spit with my brother, or rubbing my breasts on him. (Ew!) Obviously teens who are attracted to one another aren’t going to feel the repulsion that one sibling has for another, but I merely use the brother/sister analogy as an appeal to purity. After all, the unmarried should be treating each other as brothers and sisters in Christ, not honorary spouses.

I will be the first to say that I believe teenagers can fall deeply in love. I also believe that having “all that love and nowhere to go” is asking for trouble. If you as a parent are allowing your minor to burn with passion, it is only right that you allow them to marry, as scripture prescribes. This is one of of the primary reasons that emancipation laws exist…so that kids who are mad about each other can get out of “limbo” and be a genuine couple once and for all. Unfortunately, I rarely see parents take the honorable approach of emancipating their besotted minors. Instead, I see dads and moms allowing their teens to date freely, all while encouraging them to marry “after college”, or “after traveling the world”, or “after they play the field”. Such parents aren’t helping their minors to flee immorality and youthful lusts…but they are helping them to fall into sin and heartbreak.

I am calling on all mothers to do their part in combating The Chronology Problem. Do what you can to prevent your teen from falling in love prematurely. This doesn’t mean locking them up in the dungeon and pretending boys/girls don’t exist. It means restraining them from dating until they are old enough to do something about their desires (read: get married). Adolescents can get to know members of the opposite sex in pure, supervised settings. Don’t be so naive to think that your teen is a special case and can be trusted to go off alone with his/her love interest. No matter how outstanding your kid may be, he or she has a sex drive like anyone else. Each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. (James 1:14)

Help your boys restrain! Help your girls refrain! This is how we beat the MAJOR chronology problem.

The third MAJOR problem concerning today’s minors is…

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He who separates himself seeks his own desire, he quarrels against all sound wisdom. – Proverbs 18:1

I have often heard it said that “the more connected we become, the more disconnected we become”. This is a sad truth pointing out one of the main drawbacks of our digital age. The telephone, originally invented as a means to communicate with someone from a distance, has itself evolved to become “man’s best friend”. No longer merely an instrument to make calls with, our modern smartphones contain a practically infinite portal to the world…and they fit in the palm of our hand. It is estimated that 95% of teens own a cell phone in 2025.

Danger, danger! Our present-day youth culture has a MAJOR minor problem: the technology problem. We are living in a time when adolescents have nearly unmitigated access to a world bent on chewing them up and spitting them out. Like never before, teens are able to separate themselves from the guidance of their parents and seek their own desires through their cellular service. No longer does a teen boy have to sneak a quick peek at girly pics on the family computer in a shared space. He can simply view all the pornography he wants on his very own cell phone! No longer does a teen girl have to compare her looks to the most popular girl in her hometown. She can simply scroll social media for hours and rank herself against all the gorgeous influencers! While some dads and moms do purchase cell phones with strict parental controls, a surprising amount of parents let minors follow their own (underdeveloped) judgment in these matters. Such teens freely listen to any music that suits them, watch any videos that suit them, read up on whatever topics suit them, text and call whomever they like, send and receive photos to their heart’s content, and the list goes on. Proverbs 29:15 cautions parents that a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother. The literal Hebrew translation is a child “left to himself” brings shame to his mother. Just as I said before in regards to teen dating: your child is not the shining exception to the rule. All minors need parental supervision, period.

I, for one, got my first cell phone when I was 18 years of age. Let this sink in: I lived 17 years without my own cell phone. The horror! Can you imagine? I may have lifelong scars, but believe it or not, I actually survived to tell the tale of this harrowing experience. Okay, sarcasm aside, I am immensely thankful for my smartphone free childhood. Instead of watching the latest TikToks, I was watching The Sound of Music on our VCR. Instead of playing mobile apps, I was playing Donkey Kong Country with my Dad on the old Super Nintendo. Instead of browsing social media, I was browsing my Mom’s vast book collection. Instead of viewing perfectly curated photos of nature, I was viewing nature. Instead of adding a new friend on Snapchat, I was adding a new friend to my game of Marco Polo at the local swimming pool. Sadly, wholesome real-life experiences such as these are becoming fewer and farther between for today’s youth. In 2023, Common Sense Media reported that the average teen was spending 4.5hrs/day on their cell phone, or ≈28% of their waking day. (These statistics ought to be concerning for anyone, of course…but today we’re talking specifically about minors.) I feel zero resentment towards my parents for restraining me from having a cell phone until I reached majority age. Did their decision deprive me? Certainly. Their (prudent) decision deprived me of brain rot, and a loss of focus. It deprived me of social conditioning, and a loss of individuality. It deprived me of depression/anxiety, and a loss of self-worth. It deprived me of temptation, and a loss of innocence. Thanks, Dad and Mom…for depriving me.

I am calling on all mothers to do their part in combating The Technology Problem. Do what you can to prevent the world wide web from consuming your teen’s heart and mind. Being a good parent often requires going against the grain. Your teen may balk against being one of the meager 5% of teens without a cell phone. Stand firm. Your teen may balk against having strict parental controls on his or her cell phone, when all his/her friends have free rein over theirs. Stand firm. I miss hearing parents quip, “if so and so jumped off a bridge, would you?” It’s time to grow a backbone and stop letting peer-pressure dictate our choices. Just because “everyone else” is doing something does not mean it’s the correct way. (see Matthew 7:13-14)

Guide boys and girls toward real-life activities again! This is how we beat the MAJOR technology problem.

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In conclusion…

We are experiencing some MAJOR Minor Problems in our present-day youth culture. Instead of burying our heads in the sand, it is high time that Christian parents stand up and face The Biology Problem, The Chronology Problem, and The Technology Problem. Fathers are the architects of civilization, and mothers are the gatekeepers. Each of us must do what we can to positively influence our culture, and it starts at home. (Keep in mind that wicked and rebellious children will always find a way to defy their parents’ good teaching. Nevertheless, we hold up the standard of God’s word for them anyway…this will judge them in the last day.)

Until next time, I leave you with the comforting words of my favorite wizard, Gandalf the White:

Other evils there are that may come… …Yet it is not our part to master all the tides of the world, but to do what is in us for the succour of those years wherein we are set, uprooting the evil in the fields that we know, so that those who live after may have clean earth to till. What weather they shall have is not ours to rule. – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King

For God’s glory,
Mrs. Dustin Bolks

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Chaste Bolks is a church of Christ preacher’s wife, and the home educating mother of two children. She and her family currently reside in Northwest Iowa.

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.

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He gave us eyes to see them,
And lips that we might tell
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well.

These two verses bookend the classic hymn, “All Things Bright and Beautiful”. The 19th century poet, Cecil Frances Alexander, asserted herein that the animal kingdom plays a significant role in teaching mankind of and bringing glory to God. Scripture affirms his belief in Old Testament passages, such as Job 12:7-10:

But now ask the beasts, and let them teach you; and the birds of the heavens, and let them tell you. Or speak to the earth, and let it teach you; and let the fish of the sea declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this, in whose hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind?

As well as in New Testament passages, such as Romans 1:20:

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

While animals, unlike men, do not possess spirits, they do possess somas and souls. Animals boast a physical and emotional makeup. Through these two shared elements between man and beast, “all creatures great and small” communicate truths to us about our Creator…if we take the time to look in and listen in on their world.

One practical way to learn from animals is by observing our own pets. The Job passage above says that we can learn from beasts, birds, and fish. Proverbs 6:6 goes so far as to add insects to that list: Go to the ant, O sluggard, observe her ways and be wise. Whether you have a cat, a dog, a parakeet, a goldfish, or a praying mantis, you will find yourself inadvertently learning more about God through your pet ownership.

Currently, my husband and I have the privilege of owning four wonderful cats. Nearly ten years ago, our sister gave us one of the most cherished gifts we have ever received: a darling tabby cat by the name of “Luna”. At our nearest approximation, we have enjoyed around 40 of Luna’s direct descendants over the last decade. As we have seen our beloved farm-cat population wax and wane over time, we continue to be astonished by the fact that every single cat is so different, so unique, so special. They haven’t merely differed in fur patterns, but in their distinctive “personalities” (or, “animalities” as we like to say…considering that a cat is not a “person”).

Just like people and snowflakes, no two pets are exactly alike. However, just like people and snowflakes, there are certain glaring similarities between every cat…or dog…or parakeet…or goldfish…or praying mantis. (i.e. they all are born…or hatched; they all eat food; they all get sick sometimes; they all eventually die, etc.) In today’s article, My Creature, My Teacher, we will consider three truths that our treasured pets can teach us about the Lord. And though I appreciate all animals–snakes being one very notable exception–I will be using my own favorite animal to illustrate these truths. The message can easily be applied to any animal in your possession.

The following three points derive from Isaiah 41:10. First of all, My Creature, My Teacher teaches me…

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In my December 2023 article, Never Send a Woman to Do a Man’s Job, I wrote about the three primary duties of husbands and fathers: to protect, to provide, and to promote their families. Isaiah 41:10 tells us that our Lord (being both husband and father over His family) serves as our protector, provider, and promoter.

Our topical verse starts out by saying, “do not fear, for I am with you” – that’s protection!

One thing I’ve learned from our cats is this: there will always be a bully in the bunch. Even the very toughest tomcat will eventually be dethroned by somebody bigger and stronger than him…whether it’s the new kitten on campus that’s grown a little too big for his britches, or a stray cat moving in on the original tom’s territory. Females can be just as competitive–sometimes more so–mercilessly growling and swatting at the other girls. The funny thing is, the underdogs (undercats?) get bolder when Master and Mistress are around. If a beta cat cannot see us, it will tremble, cower, and sometimes even run away from the alpha cat. But if our presence is detected, the threatened cat will simply hiss a good “leave me alone” sort of hiss at the bully, then slink over to us to be petted and crooned over. A pet’s fear is greatly diminished when in the presence of his protector!

If an animal, possessing only a soma and a soul, has enough sense to relax when his master is around, would not we humans who possess a soma, a soul, and a spirit do well to let our own Master quell our fears? While we can’t see Him, we can surely detect His presence through this powerful assurance in Isaiah: I am with you!

Next time you are harassed by “the bully in the bunch”, slink on over to Master…for He is your protector.

To every cat I’ve ever loved: thank you, My Creature, My Teacher, for teaching me Of God’s Protection!

Second of all, My Creature, My Teacher teaches me…

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Our topical verse goes on to say, “do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God” – that’s provision!

Another thing I’ve learned from our cats is this: they are always counting on Master to deliver the goods. Our pets have an internal alarm clock that alerts them when it’s getting close to chow time. Right before lunch and supper every day, our cats can be found waiting patiently on the front stoop for a meal. The moment they hear the door unlock, they all stand at attention, meow expectantly, and rush upon Master for some kibbles. Even during those rare occasions when we are running behind with mealtimes, our cats aren’t prone to wander far from the stoop. Because of our consistency, they have developed an unwavering expectation that Master will eventually come to fill their hungry tummies…and they want to be first in line when he arrives!

If an animal, possessing only a soma and a soul, has enough sense to rely on his master for his needs, would not we humans who possess a soma, a soul, and a spirit do well to trust in our own Master? Surely we can practice as much patience as a hungry farm-cat when we remember Who we’re waiting on: I am your God!

Next time you wonder if God is ever going to “deliver the goods”…exercise a little more faith in your provider.

To every cat I’ve ever loved: thank you, My Creature, My Teacher, for teaching me Of God’s Provision!

Third (and last) of all, My Creature, My Teacher teaches me…

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Our topical verse concludes with a bang: “I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” – that’s promotion!

Yet another thing I’ve learned from our cats is this: their lives always bring us immense joy. Last month, I saw a cute graphic on social media that said, “my cat does this amazing thing where he just exists and makes my whole life better.” I smiled from ear to ear, because it’s so true! The precious little lives of our animals matter to us a great deal. When new kittens are born, we are elated. We delight in each and every one as they grow and mature. And when they die (or are chased off by another cat), we feel a keen loss. Those of us who have a soft spot for our pets often find ourselves investing time and money to keep them in tip-top shape. The little runt kitten finds itself at the end of a bottle. The old mother cat with the bad tooth finds herself being swept away to the vet. The scrawny young tom finds himself scarfing down a can of tuna. Why? What makes us care so much? We care because these pets belong to us…and we desire to see what is ours surviving and thriving.

If an animal, possessing only a soma and a soul, has enough worth to delight his master, would not we humans who possess a soma, a soul, and a spirit be considered immeasurably valuable to our own Master? Small as we are, those who belong to Christ are counted worthy to be strengthened, helped, and upheld!

Next time you feel like your existence doesn’t matter…remind yourself that you have an adoring promoter.

To every cat I’ve ever loved: thank you, My Creature, My Teacher, for teaching me Of God’s Promotion!

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In conclusion…

There is much that we can observe about our Creator simply by observing His creation. Whether you have a cat, a dog, a parakeet, a goldfish, or a praying mantis…or whether you simply appreciate animals from a distance…there are spiritual truths to be discovered in every corner of the animal kingdom. Today, the humble farm-cat has served to remind us Of God’s Protection, Of God’s Provision, and Of God’s Promotion. Purr-ty cool, huh?

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.

…

He gave us eyes to see them,
And lips that we might tell
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well.

Thank you, Father, for our creatures…our teachers.

A righteous man has regard for the life of his beast. – Proverbs 12:10b

For God’s glory,
Mrs. Dustin Bolks

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Chaste Bolks is a church of Christ preacher’s wife, and the home educating mother of two children. She and her family currently reside in Northwest Iowa.