Dog on the Table
We are a “no dog under the table” kind of family. Or dog on the table. He’s welcome to scavenge for crumbs once we’re finished, but begging or nosing us while eating isn’t our thing. To solidify our stance, we keep a spray bottle filled with water on the edge of the dining table to spray the dog if he crosses the boundary line.
The Trespass
Our past dogs learned the rules of the dining area quickly. They recognized the line and didn’t pass unless given permission, but this dog remains hardheaded. It doesn’t matter how many times we catch him, the temptation of food lures him every time. His desire for scraps blocks his ability to think rationally, and he gives in to his impulses, resulting in a spraying.
Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
~Mark 14:8 ESV
His cravings got the best of him one week, and he crossed a huge line—he snuck into a dining chair and jumped onto the table after we finished eating. My oldest son, Carter, caught him in the act, and the dog took off running once my son spotted him.
The Consequences
Guilt does that. Before Carter ever reprimanded him, the dog knew he was in trouble. And just like the dog, we do the same thing. Sometimes we can’t help ourselves. We know a situation, an action, or even a person is off-limits, and we go for it anyway. The rebellion is so great, the desire for forbidden fruit so big, we can’t stop ourselves. And when we get caught in the act, the guilt and shame cloud everything, causing us to run.
Yes, I know that nothing good lives in me—I mean nothing good lives in the part of me that is earthly and sinful. I want to do the things that are good, but I do not do them.
~Romans 7:18 NCV
What is it about boundaries? Rules? Why do we struggle with staying in the lines? Honestly, I think it’s a problem of the heart. If you’re struggling to stay off the table even though you know better, ask yourself why. What is your motive? What unmet need do you try to fill? When we sneak onto the table, we do it on purpose. Examine yourself this week. Do you have rebellion in your heart? Why? How is it clouding your vision?
Don’t get caught on the table. Let’s catch rebellion before it leads us to do something we regret.
Dear Jesus, show me the areas of temptation that pull me away from you. Amen.
Genre: Non-fiction
Copyright 2026: Dog on the Table: Christy Bass Adams: All Rights Reserved.
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