Sheep are Sheep

How often do we try to categorize things? People, places, toys, jobs; our human nature is to categorize and label things. Labels may at times be beneficial, but often when we label people negative connotations are connected with who they are as a person. We live in an imperfect world where social stigmas are rapid and people with disabilities are viewed as a nuisance. But we as Christians believe that God made all people to reflect His glory. That does not mean only socially acceptable labels reflect His glory, but all people reflect His glory. If God is capable of showing compassion to all people (Psalm 145:9), shouldn’t we be compelled to have compassion on all people regardless of what they are labeled?

We are God’s flock. If you know anything about sheep, there are clear differences between them. Some are leaders; some are followers; some are quiet; some are loud; some come from poor lineage; and some are small. But regardless of the characteristics of sheep, the shepherd protects and leads all the sheep the same because they are all sheep. We too have a Good Shepherd who protects and leads us regardless of our characteristics or man-made labels. If we truly want to follow the example of our Good Shepherd, we need to be protecting and leading the sheep in our care, regardless of labels and categories. In my position, I am thinking specifically of children. Some are leaders; some are followers, some have learning disabilities, some have social-disabilities; some are shy, and some are outgoing. But they are all children; and as an appointed shepherd to children, I and anyone else who work with children must love, protect, and guide them all the same, because they are our sheep. And a sheep is a sheep, is a sheep.

- Written by Joel Latshaw; Childrens Ministries Associate @ EBIC