All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one
to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53:6
The Bible frequently draws an analogy between Christians and sheep. In many instances (such as the one above), the comparison is less than flattering. After all, sheep have many, less-than-ideal characteristics. They are helpless and stupid; needing constant care in order to survive. Sound familiar? It isn't surprising that our first-century church fathers used the Greek word "shepherd" for the office that we call "pastor."
Sheep are gentle and non-aggressive and, therefore, need the safety of the flock for protection from predators. A sheep that wanders alone will most certainly perish from wolves, injury, or hunger. However, these timid creatures also tend to have a stubborn streak, resisting even the care of a kind and loving shepherd. Their tendency to follow others blindly can be a danger when they willingly follow other foolish sheep, rather than the Good Shepherd.
Despite the many frailties and shortcomings of sheep, there is one characteristic that sheep share that all Christians should emulate: their way of eating. Sheep, you see, have a very unique style of eating. While cows merely graze along the blades of the grass, a sheep will eat all the way down to the root. In fact, roots contain nutrients and moisture that are vital to the health and growth of a sheep.
To carry this analogy to us, as Christians, we need to look at how we "feed" on the Word. Unfortunately, many of today's "sheep" are eating like cows; believing that they can get sufficient spiritual nourishment by grazing rather than going deep. Their "meals" consist of skimming through a chapter in the Bible or gleaning a few truths during the service on Sunday. Even worse are those whose spiritual diet is centered around "processed food" such as devotionals, inspirational writers, and whatever Christian book is all the rage. Discouragement and stunted growth are just a couple of the symptoms of the spiritual malnutrition that results from this type of diet.
Sheep need to feed all the way down to the roots. That means being immersed in the Word of God. American Christians have become so dependent on others to feed them, that we have lost the ability to learn for ourselves. We don't need a famous preacher to explain God's Word to us; the Holy Spirit can do a much better job- plus, we know that He will always be right.
What we do need is a genuine hunger for the meat of the Word. Unfortunately, when you've been dining on junk food for a long time, it is hard to re-acquire a taste for good, solid fare. Just ask any junk-food junkie! However, the time comes when even the most resistant dieter realizes that their present style of eating is killing them and that a change is needed. If you are looking at yourself today and realizing that you are starving spiritually and that the steady course of watered-down devotionals and sugar-coated fads trying pass themselves off as Bible studies aren't really nourishing you, then maybe it is time for a change.
If so, check back next week for some tips on how to begin eating like a sheep.
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