Are or Do You Make Better For It?

Rowland Hill, who was born 3 December 1795 and died 27 August 1879, was a London teacher, inventor and social reformer. He once said that “he would not believe a man to be a true Christian if his wife, his children, the servants, and even the dog and cat, were not the better for it.”

One man’s opinion, yes. If literally applied, let’s just say I’d never marry, have children or servants, and I’d certainly disavow pets. If that was the case, I’d like to ask Mr. Hill if I was the better for it? Even then, I’d have no certainty of proving myself a true Christian apart from the grace of God and the efficacy of Christ’s blood shed for my redemption. Nevertheless, assuming I married, had children, and owned a dog and a cat, I cannot imagine any man – especially today – having such an impact on his family and his pets in such a godly manner…  well, maybe I could get a well-trained dog to sit and heal. Then again, what exactly did Mr. Hill mean when he said a true Christian made others the ‘better for it?’  You tell me – what`s the ‘it?’ Marriage? Having children? Owning pets? No – of course not… I have no doubt Mr. Hill meant nothing of the material world (though many men believe that’s the ‘it’ that everyone expects of them.) 

No, what Mr. Hill meant for the ‘it’ was men should be godly, and Christ-like men… praying with their family… loving their wives as Christ loves the church… raising his sons and daughters with loving care, and chastisement if and when necessary for instruction and correction in the home.’ I could go on, but let me say that Godly men are not perfect men… we make mistakes… but if we humbly submit to our Lord and King, Christ will even use that for the betterment of those around us… cats and dogs included.