Stray Sheep
Now that we’re finally settled and getting into somewhat of a routine, I’ve been able to resume my daily prayer walks. Each morning, I put on my walking shoes and head to one of two roads to begin my stroll. Both roads are quiet and offer me beautiful mountain views, lots of ups and downs, and sheep pastures as far as the eye can see. I meander along--deep in prayer--for anywhere from three to five miles, depending on the weather, my current health, and how much I have to say to the Lord. It’s a wonderful time to improve my physical and spiritual health (not to mention it does a lot for my emotions).
The part of my walk I’m still getting used to is the Welsh traffic jams. No, I’m not talking about many cars piled up in a long line. I’m speaking of moving sheep from one pasture to another. This happens frequently, and since I walked past many different farms, I’m often in the middle of my daily stroll when I meet up with a friendly farmer who asks if I’d mind waiting a moment until the sheep are moved. Of course, I oblige them, for which they are incredibly grateful.
Every once in a while, though, I’ll come across a farmer who’s a bit shorthanded for the move and asks me to not only wait but also to block a particular route so the sheep won’t dart where they’re not supposed to. I know nothing about herding sheep, but this job is relatively easy. It mainly requires me to stand in front of the specified “escape route” and shoo or scare the sheep away when they try to turn in that direction. I must be pretty scary looking because my presence seems to deter them. Once the sheep are in their new location (or at least out of my main walkway), the farmer thanks me for my time and help, and I continue on my way.
It’s oddly satisfying to help out like that. Mostly, I just stand there, but the farmers are always so appreciative, which makes me feel good. If my presence there was enough to set a few stray sheep back along the right path, I consider it a job well done. I feel privileged to be asked to help, especially since I know so little about sheep (except they’re not very bright).
We are sheep, and Jesus is our Shepherd. He is good, loving, and kind and cares well for His sheep. But, you know, sometimes He enlists others to help the sheep that are going astray. Have you heard of the blind leading the blind? Well, Jesus has called His sheep to lead the sheep. Sometimes, we can do that by our example. We walk the right path, and others will follow. But, sometimes, we might have to position ourselves between the wayward sheep and the “escape route” they are trying to go down. Sometimes we need to speak up and help the other sheep see the result of their wandering.
Yes, some days it seems like a difficult task and one we’re not confident we can do. Do we have the skills? The training? The words? What if we’re not comfortable around other sheep and would rather be left to ourselves? These are all excellent questions, but they can also become excuses not to do what the Lord has asked of us. When we see a fellow Christian walking a dangerous road, we have a responsibility to say something. When we realize someone is about to do something they’ll regret, we have an obligation to them to try and talk them out of it.
Yes, it can be scary. But, it’s also rewarding. It feels incredible to touch a life and know you made a difference. It’s exhilarating to help a brother or sister in Christ get back on the straight and narrow. And the Shepherd is grateful for our participation. No, He doesn’t need our help, but He does want it.
Please understand that I am not giving any of us permission to be a busybody. That’s not what I’m talking about here. It’s not about intruding in someone’s personal affairs but helping guide them the right way. While they may not appreciate it at first, they may come back to thank you later. Allow the Lord to advise you about when to step in and when to stay back and pray. And when He gives you the green light, help that lost sheep find its way back to the right path. It’s both a duty and a delight.
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. . .As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. - Galatians 6:1-2,10