Dear Friends,
Recently, while continuing to think deeply about the idea of unity, I was reminded of an experience I had a few years back. I was standing on a grassy slope where there were some sheep grazing in small groups—two here, three there. The sheep seemed to be minding their own business until their shepherd pulled up in a truck and gave a loud call. Suddenly, all the sheep perked up and started moving towards the shepherd. Sheep that I didn’t even know were there came out from behind hills and rocks. And they all became one united group, looking at the shepherd expectantly for direction. This beautiful display of unity made me think of Jesus’ words where he says, “There shall be one fold, and one shepherd” (John 10:16).
Today, the term sheep or “sheeple” is used disparagingly to mean people who are docile, compliant, or easily influenced—blindly following a current fad or a strong personality. Yet Jesus said that one of the characteristic features of sheep is their clear, thoughtful discernment of who to follow. Jesus said, “The sheep follow him [the shepherd]: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers” (John 10:4-5). Far from blindly following anyone who comes along, the sheep are unified by the spiritual discernment of Christ, leading them forward in their journey.
Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). This passage is not limited to Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, but includes the self-sacrifice he exemplified every day — he gave his entire life to the pursuit of helping others. He healed the sick whose life-prospects had reduced them to beggary; he raised the publican’s outlook to the joys of spiritual benevolence; and he taught his disciples how to be of service when he washed their feet. Just before his ascension, he left Peter the remarkable admonition: “Feed my sheep” (John 21:16). Jesus had already shown through his life how to help and nurture others, and now his students were to follow and continue this benevolent work.
While Mrs. Eddy was pastor of the Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, she penned the poem, “Feed My Sheep.” In it she humbly asked the Shepherd to show her how to go forward and “how to feed Thy sheep” (Ret 46:6). Today, we continue to follow her example of trust in the great Shepherd to direct each of our steps forward, and we are rewarded with opportunities to see how the Shepherd feeds and cares for His sheep. At The Principle Foundation, we are constantly learning how we can serve better and demonstrate the generous and expansive love of Christ.
With gratitude and affection,
Brian J. Stock
Communications Manager
You must be logged in to post a comment.