Standing Guard
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.”
Acts 20:28–30
Shepherds, especially in the Western states of the US, face a real threat from predators. Wild animals like coyotes can devastate a flock in short order. Many methods to protect sheep have been tried, but one of the most effective is to introduce a guard llama to the flock. A single llama will bond with the sheep, and become intensely and fiercely protective. Studies show that using a guard llama reduces loss of sheep to predators by two-thirds. The llamas are not afraid of the attackers, and thus their mere presence can be a deterrent to attacks. When necessary, they will use their hooves as effective weapons to defend the sheep.
God’s people are under attack in this world. The Bible uses the metaphor of shepherds for the role of the pastor, and those who lead churches are charged with a special level of care for those in the congregation. But whether we are in full time ministry or not, each of us have a responsibility to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Many times a simple word of encouragement or caution from a friend is all that is needed to prevent great sin and suffering.
If our hearts are knit together as part of the body of Christ as they should be, we will care deeply about the needs of others, and do our best to strengthen and protect them from danger. “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Acts 20:28–30
Shepherds, especially in the Western states of the US, face a real threat from predators. Wild animals like coyotes can devastate a flock in short order. Many methods to protect sheep have been tried, but one of the most effective is to introduce a guard llama to the flock. A single llama will bond with the sheep, and become intensely and fiercely protective. Studies show that using a guard llama reduces loss of sheep to predators by two-thirds. The llamas are not afraid of the attackers, and thus their mere presence can be a deterrent to attacks. When necessary, they will use their hooves as effective weapons to defend the sheep.
God’s people are under attack in this world. The Bible uses the metaphor of shepherds for the role of the pastor, and those who lead churches are charged with a special level of care for those in the congregation. But whether we are in full time ministry or not, each of us have a responsibility to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Many times a simple word of encouragement or caution from a friend is all that is needed to prevent great sin and suffering.
If our hearts are knit together as part of the body of Christ as they should be, we will care deeply about the needs of others, and do our best to strengthen and protect them from danger. “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Today’s Growth Principle:
Our fellow believers are under assault, and we need to do all we can to encourage and defend them from danger.
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