Defending Your Territory

For the last couple summers, since our neighbors moved in, our dogs have enjoyed a comfortable relationship along the fence line with the dog next door. Although we seldom have the dogs in the same backyard, they have peacefully coexisted on either side of those chain links. Often they will run along the fence, each on their own property, in playful companionship.
This past winter, while the dogs were not often outside, our neighbors brought home a second dog. Although quite large in size, this dog is a mere puppy. As the weather got nicer and the dogs were again spending more time outside, we noticed a new pitch in the sounds of the relationship. Our neighbor’s first dog became extremely defensive of her territory line. Every time our dogs were in our backyard, she would run up and down the fence barking menacingly. Our dogs in return would bolt to our side of the fence and return the barking protectiveness of their territory.
This new Dynamic of protectiveness has interrupted the peaceful coexistence that allowed all of our dogs to enjoy plenty of relaxing time outside. Whereas we had previously allowed Beamer and Kari access to hours in the sun, this freedom is often limited to minutes. To avoid this menacing barking, we simply call the dogs inside the house.
Do we attempt to guard our own territory? Do we spend times defending our own rights, and in turn only put riffs into what could be great friendships? Do we miss out on some of the great things God has for us because we want to protect what we believe we require or deserve?
Jesus clearly addressed this topic. “And He said to all, If any person wills to come after Me, let him deny himself [disown himself, forget, lose sight of himself and his own interests, refuse and give up himself] and take up his cross daily and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also]. For whoever would preserve his life and save it will lose and destroy it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he will preserve and save it [from the penalty of eternal death].” (Luke 9:23-24 AMP) When we try to hang on to our own rights, dreams and possessions, we are in danger of losing what is truly important. Winning an argument can result in losing a relationship. The momentary victory leads to far greater loss in the days and years to come as well as peace and joy in God’s presence. Jesus repeated this principle when speaking of the coming of the Son of Man. “Whoever tries to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve and quicken it.” (Luke 17:33 AMP) By giving our lives to follow His ways we will have blessings of peace and joy here and true life in eternity.
We are told to “Love one another with brotherly affection [as members of one family], giving precedence and showing honor to one another.” (Romans 12:10 AMP) Part of this involves living at peace. “If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18 AMP) We cannot defend our rights and accomplish our mandates. “Do nothing from factional motives [through contentiousness, strife, selfishness, or for unworthy ends] or prompted by conceit and empty arrogance. Instead, in the true spirit of humility (lowliness of mind) let each regard the others as better than and superior to himself [thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves].” (Philippians 2:3 AMP)
How can we accomplish this? The apostle Paul gives instructions that make this all possible. “For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].” (Philippians 4:8 AMP) We can continually look for the good in others and respond to them with grace.
Why would we live this way? Being a follower of Jesus Christ, we have no other choice. “And when Jesus heard it, He said to him, One thing you still lack. Sell everything that you have and divide [the money] among the poor, and you will have [rich] treasure in heaven; and come back [and] follow Me [become My disciple, join My party, and accompany Me].” (Luke 18:22 AMP) To truly follow Jesus we must give up every self-centered desire, including those for possessions and rights. But, in doing so, we gain all the blessings of the continual presence of God in our lives.
As time has passed the dogs have returned to their comfortable relationship. The menacing barks have ceased The aggressiveness of the neighbor dog had resulted from problems with the new dog whom has in a new home where he is the only dog. Our dogs greet each other and enjoy pleasant days outside. When they ceased fighting to protect what is theirs, they became able to benefit from it.

Do not be overly concerned about what you perceive to be yours. As you look to bless others you find you are free to enjoy all God has for you.