On Monday, we talked about the difference between shepherds and sheepherders. Today I want to just focus on shepherds and sheep. I want to look at the shepherds of God’s flock and his sheep (followers of Jesus Christ). Unlike a sheepherder, shepherds care for their sheep because he cares about them. He makes sure that his flock has enough food. He protects his flock from danger and he cares for it. And He even helps direct their path. But he doesn’t do it for money or prestige. He does it because it is his passion. And when it is a shepherd of God’s flock, the shepherd does it because he loves the one to whom the sheep belong (Jesus) and he loves the sheep. This is God’s design for those who love Him.

“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them–not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” 1 Peter 5:2-4.

Sheep follow their shepherd. And it’s not because he chases them and frightens them into submission. Instead, it’s because they follow him and recognize his voice. He leads them and cares for them so they trust him.

God’s sheep (followers of Christ) should behave the same way. When we have a good shepherd who loves the Lord, seeks His will, and loves the sheep, we should follow and trust as well. We should recognize that he is the one who will protect, guide, and care for us spiritually (as He is led by God) just as Jesus, the Chief Shepherd, does.

My question to you today is (assuming you are under a good shepherd and not a sheepherder), are you a good sheep?

We, the church, have a knack for being critical. We have a knack for being able to detect and point out everything that is wrong in a situation. But we don’t typically have a solution or offer a helping hand. And our shepherd (pastor, minister, reverend, priest, etc.) is not spared from our criticism.

We will think nothing of talking about the leader of our congregation behind his back. We criticize everything from his sermon, to his choice of music, and the color of the carpet.

The hard truth is, when we do this, we are typically criticizing God. No, I am not saying that our pastors, ministers, etc. are God. But I am saying that He is leading them. Not in everything, of course, because they too have free will. But, if the leader of our church is not in sin and we know him to be walking with God, who do we think we are questioning when we criticize?

It is funny how we want to hold our shepherds to a higher standard and expect them to be above reproach because they are supposed to be led by God. Yet, when it comes to nitpicking and critiquing, we will tear that person apart with no regard to whether their decision was God-led or not.

If we have a good shepherd, we need to be a good sheep.

A good sheep follows without attempting to lead. A good sheep listens. It doesn’t make a lot of noise. And a good sheep trusts the shepherd, not because the shepherd is perfect, but because he has proven his love and care for the sheep. Also, because we have no idea how God is leading him or what God may be doing!

So, are we good sheep to our shepherds? Do we respect the pastor/leader of our church? Or do we gossip behind their back? Do we critique their leadership? Question their actions and motives? If they are sinful then, by all means, question them! Then work to help them be restored to God. If not, step aside and let God work through him without critiquing and criticizing.

If you have a leading from God for your particular family that differs from the shepherd, then don’t critique or cause division. Bind with the shepherd and the body and agree to disagree in love (as long as it is not a salvation issue).

God tells us that our shepherd and those in authority in our church deserve double honor!

“The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” 1 Timothy 5:17-18.

We are called to esteem them in love!

“But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.” 1 Thessalonians 5:12-17.

We are told to obey and submit, because they are WATCHING OVER OUR SOULS!

“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.” Hebrews 3:17.

And we are told to remember what they have done for us and to imitate their faith!

“Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:17.

If we have a good shepherd, we need to question whether we are good sheep? Do you trust, obey, and follow? God asks you to. And He is the one leading the shepherd. So, again, who are we to question what God might be doing?

“But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” Romans 9:20.

If you are serving under a good shepherd, be a good sheep. Now, I didn’t say if you were serving under a perfect man (died on a cross and is seated at the right hand of the Father). I said a good shepherd; one who loves God and His sheep; one who is attempting to be led by God in all that he does (not perfectly, but trying).

Our shepherds have a hard enough time fighting off the enemy and staying on course themselves. Our shepherds need good sheep who will follow, trust, and maybe even lend a hand (how outrageous does that sound 😉 ). They need our prayers as well. The icing on the cake is that we please and glorify our Heavenly Father.

The world doesn’t need another opportunity to view dysfunction and division. It is unity and love that will draw them to our Father.

So, for our Pastor/leader’s sake and for the sake of the lost and hurting world, be good sheep. Follow your shepherd as he follows Christ so that you please and glorify our Father in Heaven.

Father God, protect us from the enemy’s attacks. Protect our pastors and leaders of our churches. Help us to be good sheep to our shepherds. Help us to follow and trust, not because they are perfect, but because you are and you lead them. We pray for your perfect love and unity over our congregations. Please help us to fight the temptation to critique and nitpick. Bind us together in you Jesus. We pray this in your precious and holy name. Amen.

Have you seen and heard about churches that fell apart because of inconsequential differences? Have you been pushed away from having a relationship with God because of bickering and dysfunction in the church? Please know that God is not in that. He loves us all and His desire is that we would be a family. Not a family of dysfunction but one of love and unity. I pray that you would follow Jesus, the Good (and Perfect) Shepherd. His love never fails. There is no dysfunction or condemnation in Him. And He wants an intimate and personal relationship with you.

Please consider going to our Life Preserver page (https://forgiven-n-loved.com/life-preserver/) and praying the prayer that is outlined there. It is a simple prayer of repentance. When we pray that from the bottom of our hearts, God forgives our sins and adopts us into His family (not a dysfunctional divided one though 🙂 .

Please pray that prayer and, once you have, reach out to me at admin@forgiven-n-loved.com and let me know. I’d love to be in prayer with and for you and to welcome you into the family.

Luv Ya!