The Bloodhound
Perhaps most famous for its scent-tracking abilities, the bloodhound is also a loyal and caring companion. The bloodhound’s personality endears one to them because their stubborn and affectionate nature showcases their relentless desire to smother and be overwhelmed with love (or slobber).
Intelligent and highly aware of their surroundings, these characteristics get thrown out the window once they pick up on a trail. Fine-tuned to track, all energy and devotion become dedicated to discovering new horizons.
Despite having solemn eyes and droopy faces, these independent, curious, and honorable canines exude determination, and their skillset is called upon by judges and the police force.
Engineered to find their target, the bloodhound’s history showcases that they remain unrivaled in their strong detective skills among the scent hounds.
They are deemed “reliable” because they get the job done.
“Whatever piques my interest, gets my devotion.”
The bloodhound reminds us that the future could sometimes disrupt the present if we go off on a tangent. For example:
Whenever a peculiar and interesting scent is picked up, the skin folds over the bloodhound’s eyes and its ears drop to the ground. The excitement neutralizes discernment.
In these instances, the bloodhound becomes vulnerable to any attack or unknowingly walks into it.
As such, during these times, it requires the firm hand of a master to bring them into alignment and back to reality.
Busy About Many Things
Let’s learn a lesson from Martha.
We read in Luke 10:40:
“But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to Him, and said, Lord, dost Thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her therefore that she help me.”
The word cumbered, perispaō, signifies mental distraction, being over-busy, or to be driven about mentally (or drawn away). Martha was distracted and dragging around unnecessary baggage, so much so, that she even resorted to subtly calling Jesus’ attention.
Comparative to the bloodhound, this type of thinking doesn’t perceive it’s erroneous. It’s steadfast in having its way and desires that others, even those in authority, submit to its will.
Think of it this way: the bloodhound personality leads one to trek down paths that have no higher purpose than the immediate relief of anxiety or a small fraction of peace.
Ultimately, the trails are dead ends and only lead to disappointment because they aren’t vital to our walk with Christ.
A Moment of Reflection
At times, we can become so focused on the future (or present circumstances) that we entirely forfeit the Master’s joy (see Nehemiah 8:10), and in these moments, we require a gentle rebuke.
So, Jesus would reply, as He did to Martha, saying:
“Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things, but one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)
Critically, we must note that we “choose” to go down dead ends when we shut out wisdom’s voice or neglect personal time with the Holy Spirit.
A Call to Focus
We must examine whether there are areas in our lives or thoughts leading us astray. Sometimes, the enemy twists the truth. If we aren’t vigilant, we consider the lie as Eve did in the garden of Eden (see Genesis 3:1-6).
Let’s ask ourselves:
- What areas of my life require spring cleaning?
- Have I covered my eyes and ears to instruction?
- Am I distracted?
- Where do I need to focus?
Christ said to “ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” (Luke 10:9)
The question isn’t whether Jesus answers prayers. Instead, it’s if we’re listening or have unknowingly walked down a dead end. In such cases, a rebuke can save our lives.
Therefore, this week, let’s focus and ask ourselves:
Have I chosen what cannot be taken away?