While there is no shortage of persons desiring to lead, both the beauty and necessity of knowing how to follow can often be overlooked. Yet, Jesus himself instructs us in Mark 8:34 that, “. . . Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” The first question we must ask ourselves before becoming a part of the flock is, “Have we willingly, not by compulsion, not out of emotion, nor by tradition, but by genuine will, decided to follow Christ?”. As following requires more than a passive posture, one must first have an active will to follow, demonstrate humility by fully submitting to God and denying one’s own personal desires, and continue daily in pursuit of him (God). One is able to follow without fear because a relationship has been developed between the sheep and the Shepherd that assures the sheep, that no matter their current position or station in life, if they are yielded to the leading and guiding of the Shepherd, then they can rest in his safety. As Psalm 23:4 states, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
Both the rod and the staff play a critical role in the life of each individual sheep and/or believer, as well as the movement of the entire flock as a whole, as by the rod and staff, the Shepherd has the ability to not only direct and defend the sheep, but prod any that he may notice beginning to wander too far from the path, as well as restore those that have strayed to the correct path. As believers that have chosen to be apart of God’s flock, we are declaring to God and the world that we are willing and committed to following his way, even if it’s in opposition to the world or what we may personally think is best. By choosing to follow God, the flock is choosing to follow his way.
As we are yielded to the will and the way of God, we must also be sure to not only demonstrate biblical knowledge but Christly conduct, taking time to reverence leadership so that they may watch for our souls with, “joy and not grief” (Hebrews 13:17 KJV), as well as uplifting fellow laborers in Christ for the proper progression of the flock as a whole, as 1 John 4:21 declares, “And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also,” as by doing so we honor God.
Sheep are known for grazing in green pastures for one particular reason, their diet requires it. As herbivores (animals that do not eat meat, but instead seeds, grass, and herbs), by merely observing the location of the sheep, one is able to conclude what their diet is comprised of. From a biblical standpoint, what we eat has always been significant to God, since as early as Genesis, God instructs Adam as to what tree is and is not acceptable to eat from, or in other words consume. As believers, we must recognize that our diets must be distinct. Just as a physical diet is necessary for the proper growth, development, and mitigation of disease for the physical body, our spiritual diet is needed for the proper growth, development, and mitigation of disease for our spiritual man, and just as with sheep, has the ability to reveal where we stand (our location) as believers, as Matthew 4:4 says, “. . . Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”
The things that we intake or consume on a regular basis must be those things that not only advance our spiritual growth and development, but also strengthen our spiritual immune systems to the point where we are able to detect from afar off the wiles of the devil and fight off any threat of attack from satan.
The idea of distinction alone means that there are certain items available for consumption that may appear appeasing and permissible to the masses, that will be prohibited from the flock and/or believers, as there must be a distinction in diet and/or consumption between the two. As often while on a diet the partaker recognizes that in order to achieve a desired result (typically a fit physique) there are certain items that must be removed or cut from their ordinary meal line-up, and while it may appear at the beginning that they have lost or missed out on an opportunity to indulge, the ultimate gain realized is immeasurable.
As sheep either entering or moving along with the flock, it may be necessary to make some dietary changes, as depending on the sheep’s health status, certain items available for consumption can pose an immediate threat to the very life of the sheep and even those things that we may engage in as a dessert (only on special occasions and when we have a taste for it) can cause severe damage, and if the sheep is not careful to check the status of his own spiritual health often, even without his knowledge. While initially certain items may be a regular entrée for the believer, it is imperative that meal changes be made so that an appetite for the things of God may be developed. And just like a baby that may prefer the taste of sweet potatoes over bitter peas, the believer will at times have to learn how to endure bitterness to ensure he has a well-balanced diet with offerings from all food groups, not just those of his preference, as we are to be made perfect, as in complete or whole in, by, and through Christ. It’s not enough to say we love God, but not keep his commandments and follow his will or way, or to quote the bible forward and backward, and have not charity in our hearts.
For this reason, we have to pay strict attention to those things which we are consuming as a part of our daily diet, as they have a direct impact on our outward showing and internal welfare irrespective of the consumption method, whether by eyes (What are you watching or choosing to focus on in any given situation?), ears (Who or What have you been listening to?), mouth (What have you been speaking into your own life or the lives of others?), nose (What aroma do you give off or allow to invade your space? What savor are you offering to God?), hands (How have your handled yourself and/or the things of God or that which he has entrusted you with?) All of these questions, must be asked and answered on a regular basis for those in the flock, who have dared to call themselves a believer and a sheep in the fold. Although we may sit at the table and dine with other fellow believers without issue, God has the health record to reveal if our diet was in line with his food pyramid.
Sheep move united as a flock to offer protection to all. As 2 Corinthians 12:26 says, “And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it”. Sheep have a natural instinct to move in unity for the protection and safety of every sheep from predators. As it is commonly said, “If one goes, they will all go.” The flock operates and functions in unity, with one mind and one goal. The body of Christ must take on this same oneness for the sake of the gospel. Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous (1 Peter 3:8 KJV). As believers, we must learn to love our neighbors as ourselves, be ye likeminded, and of one accord and one mind (Matthew 22:39; Philippians 2:2 KJV). The flock must endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3 KJV). As Paul encourages the church of Corinth, “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment (1 Corinthians 1:10 KJV). The flock must unite not only in love and mind but also in doctrine and judgment.
The flock is comprised of sheep of all different shapes and sizes, and from all different backgrounds and histories, and at various stages of development and maturity, some young, some old, yet despite all of these differences, the one true desire of the sheep is to move uninterrupted as one flock, realizing the safety that such a gathering provides. And while traveling in a flock is sure to protect from external dangers, it is important to be mindful that the sheep within the flock are in alignment with God, as to ward off even the appearance of unwanted internal issues, as Galatians 6:10 tells us, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” So, how are we to conduct ourselves within the flock so that we may be found pleasing in the sight of God? The answer can be found in Colossians 3:12-17, “ Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” So let us always be sure to show kindness, mercy, and patience towards one another. As sheep, we must always demonstrate the love of Christ towards our fellow brothers and sisters remembering that where we are today is not where we have always been.
Just as sheep have a natural use, whether for meat, wool, or milk, God has ordained it such that his flock fulfill purpose. As members of God’s flock, we are to be both the salt of the earth and a light to the world as Matthew 5:13-14 says, “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.” From this passage of scripture it is understood that our role is not only essential to the believer but the unbeliever as well, for if we neglect to fulfill purpose then not only are our own souls at stake, but also the souls of those that are lost looking for a way out of darkness, as it is God’s will that none should perish, “… but that all should come to repentance”(2 Peter 3:9 KJV). The great commission for God’s flock is to, “Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. . .”(Matthew 28:19-20 KJV). Let us be learned in the things of God that we may be a light to a dying world.
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. . . (Matthew 11:28 KJV). The flock can rest assured in the promises and provisions of the Good Shepherd. As Psalm 23 says, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” The shepherd leads the flock and provides sustenance, safety, and security. The flock can rest confidently in the comfort and care of the shepherd. The shepherd supplies each and every need of the flock leaving them with no need for worry or want. As believers we can rest in God’s perfect peace and assurance, knowing that the way has already been made.