I remember the iconic RCA Victor trademark found on old record labels depicting a dog intently listening to "His Master's Voice" coming from the old windup cylinder phonograph. Do you? A dog's rapt attention to his master's voice is an endearing quality.

Dogs can pay attention to — and serve — their masters in crucial, sometimes lifesaving, ways. We have two service dogs here in my retirement community, one belonging to one of our residents, and the other to one of our staff workers. These dogs have been carefully trained to alert their owners to the need to take action to avert a medical problem or avoid impending danger. The dogs are always near their owners rather than off chasing rabbits or barking at other dogs. They have important work to do!

Just as service dogs are servants of their masters, Christians become servants of Jesus when we place our trust in Him as our Lord and Master. Likewise, as a service dog requires extensive training, it may take much time and experience in diligent obedience for us to learn to be true and faithful servants of Jesus.

God may not speak to us audibly as He did to the boy Samuel:

1 Samuel 3:10 – And the Lord came and called as before, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel replied, "Speak, your servant is listening." (NLT)

He often, however, speaks through inner thoughts and impressions that come to our minds. Sometimes, His words come to us through other people who are channels of His message. Most often, however, His commands are found directly in Scripture, making it vital for us to read and obey what we see in the Bible.

Service dogs keep their eyes attentively on their owners, watching for signs their masters give them. In the human realm, human masters can also give unspoken orders to their servants. Sometimes, a simple nod of the head or crook of the finger can convey a master's wishes.

Psalm 123:2 – We keep looking to the Lord our God for his mercy, just as servants keep their eyes on their master, as a slave girl watches her mistress for the slightest signal. (NLT)

We can also see opportunities for service by simply looking around us. There is much human need all around, and much that we can do to serve Jesus simply by helping others.

How can we be attentive to God's commands, which can be both clearly spoken through Scripture and evident through visible needs all around us? May we focus daily on ways that we can serve our Master.

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, show us how we can be true and faithful servants in ways that please and honour You. May we be attentive, watching and listening for Your commands and wishes. Amen.