It’s About Dog’s Poo

I like reverse parking my car into our garage. It is convenient and gives me a much better view when I leave the house, ensuring there are no people on the pathway in front of the house. One day, when I was pulling out of the garage, I saw dog’s poo on our driveway. It was not the first time this had occurred. We have not been able to catch the owner of the dog who does not clean up after it, but a few neighbours nearby have had similar experiences, and, to say the least, it made us annoyed. Seeing my dirty driveway and cleaning it the best I could reminded me of a very different story. During the break between Christmas and New Year, I spent a few days relaxing on the Northern Beaches with my friend. One day, she saw from the balcony of our unit a person walking with a dog. Despite absolutely no one being around, not a single person passing by, the person cleaned up after her dog. Two similar situations and two different attitudes.

These little stories made me ponder people’s attitudes towards taking responsibility for their actions and the motivations that drive them in life.

The questions are simple:

• Are you doing the right things only when people are watching what you do?

• Are you doing the right things when no one sees you, simply because it is the right thing to do?

  
  

Jesus in his teaching emphasises the importance of integrity and truthfulness in one's actions. In Ephesians 5:11, it is stated, "Do not do the things that people in darkness do. That brings nothing good. But do good things to show that the things done in darkness are wrong." This encourages believers to avoid the sinful behaviours associated with darkness and to instead live in a way that reflects their values and beliefs openly.

Additionally, Jesus often spoke about the importance of humility and sincerity in one's actions. In Matthew 6:1-4, He warns against performing righteous acts for the sake of being seen by others, stating that those who do so have already received their reward. Instead, He encourages giving and doing good deeds in secret, assuring that God, who sees what is done in secret, will reward them.

Responsibility for our actions should come simply from our conscience, which tells us what is right and what is wrong. The measure of our integrity and maturity in life starts when we choose responsibility for our actions, regardless of whether we are seen or not.

And it all starts with cleaning up after your dog.