Lay with Dogs, You Get Flea Bites

by John Tilton on August 01, 2022

Scripture

“Jesus answered, 'Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit, gives birth to spirit.' ” (John 3:5-6)

Observation

Jesus was very clear that in order to enter the Kingdom of God, one must know Jesus as their Savior by going through a spiritual rebirth, being cleansed by the blood of the Lamb, receiving Jesus as Savior, and of which is when the Holy Spirit comes into us. Thus, being born of the cleansing water of Jesus and the Holy Spirit bestowed upon us. The scriptures continue that in our rebirth, we should seek the things of the Lord as the spirit of God will give birth to the spirit of God and the things of God. Yet, spending time in the things of the flesh and the things of the world, will make us prone to succumb to the things of the world.

Application

There is an old saying “lay with dogs, get up with fleas.” It is so true that if we place ourselves in situations, environments, and including people that are not only in the world, but of worldly desires; we will have the propensity to be drawn to those things. We may not even see the stepping-stones that would lead us away from the things of the Lord, but into sin. Thus, flesh gives birth to flesh. However, I’ve experienced first-hand and know that if I spend my time in the things of the Lord – His Word, prayer, and amongst the body of Christ; the things of the Lord will be the desires of my heart. It will be the things of the Spirit that will take root in me. It can be very simple - that which we let into our hearts and minds, will most probably influence our thoughts and actions. Surround ourselves with sin, end up with the flea bites of sin. And the more we then tend to scratch that itchy sin; the more we feed and fall into the nature of sin.

Prayer

Dear Lord, may I fill my life with your Word, my prayer life with you, and amongst the family of the Lord, and that my surroundings and thoughts that enter my mind will be of your will and your way. Although I may be in the world, may I not be of the world.

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About the Author

John Tilton

Senior Pastor John Tilton has served at New Hope Oahu since it’s launch in 1995, and has been on staff in administration and as executive pastor for the past 14 years. The values and heart behind New Hope run deeply through Pastor John’s veins as he has trained, learned, and was mentored closely by Pastor Wayne.

A graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama and the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, Pastor John holds his Masters in Formational Leadership from Lancaster Bible College & Capital Seminary. He has served in various leadership, mentorship, and advisory roles in ministry and in the marketplace. He currently serves as Vice President of New Hope International and is on the Board of Directors of both Pacific Rim Christian University and New Hope Christian College.

Pastor John is married to his amazing wife Lanu, is father to his son Ikaika, daughter Malie, son-in-law Noni, is Papa to his grandchildren Justice, Johanna, and Jordynn, all of whom serve in ministry as a family together at New Hope Oahu.

Pastor John’s heart is to love and shepherd the people of New Hope Oahu––both here on Oahu and globally across the world. He will seek to continue to develop leaders, enable people here to dream with vision and purpose for God’s unique call on their lives, and, most importantly, to seek God as He faithfully guides our church so that we can fully become the church, and the people, He has created and called us to be.