08/10/2025
Our Response to Shepherd
The attitudes of "good" and "bad" sheep can be understood in terms of their responsiveness to the Shepherd, Jesus Christ, and their alignment with His teachings. Here's how these attitudes manifest:
1. Attitude of Good Sheep :
* Receptive and Trusting : Good sheep are characterized by their willingness to listen to and trust the voice of the Good Shepherd. In John 10:27, Jesus says, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." This attitude reflects a heart that is open to guidance and eager to follow Christ's lead.
* Humble and Teachable : Good sheep exhibit humility and a teachable spirit. They recognize their dependence on Christ and are willing to learn and grow in their faith. James 1:21 encourages believers to "humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you."
* Loving and Compassionate : Reflecting the love of Christ, good sheep demonstrate love and compassion towards others. This attitude is rooted in the new identity believers have in Christ, as seen in 1 John 4:7, which calls believers to love one another because love comes from God.
2. Attitude of Bad Sheep :
* Resistant and Distrustful : Bad sheep may exhibit resistance to the Shepherd's voice, choosing instead to follow their own ways or the influences of the world. This attitude is marked by a lack of trust in Christ's guidance and provision.
* Prideful and Unteachable : A prideful attitude can lead to a refusal to learn or grow, resulting in stagnation or regression in one's spiritual journey. Proverbs 16:18 warns that pride goes before destruction, highlighting the danger of an unteachable spirit.
* Self-Centered and Indifferent : Bad sheep may display a self-centered attitude, focusing on their own desires rather than the needs of others. This can lead to indifference towards the community and a lack of genuine love, contrary to the call in Philippians 2:3-4 to value others above oneself.
By cultivating the attitudes of good sheep, believers can remain aligned with their identity in Christ, experiencing the fullness of life He offers and reflecting His love to the world.
