07/09/18 GUARD THE FLOCK
We had two watch dogs on our campus:
He was 125# of "EVER READY,"
She was 90# of "ALWAYS ON DUTY."
They were aka Smith and Wesson.
GUARD THE FLOCK
I mention this because I was thinking about the way I might come across as shepherd of my sheep. My first thought is that I am ALWAYS ON DUTY. But unlike Ebony, who went around with a disposition that clearly said, "I mean business," I am more like Buck, with a laid back and relaxed approach to life. But, like I said, he was EVER READY. As soon as he sensed danger or conflict, he went straight into ALL BUSINESS mode. I remember having to warn some wannabe intruders that I could not hold Buck much longer, as he was dragging me toward them. One of the intruders had become belligerent and also threatening, and there was a gun hanging in the back of his truck. I am non violent, and I was thinking about running for cover if he had gone for the gun. But Buck was not a peacemaker. He had no qualms about ripping out the throat of someone who was a threat to his family. I was warning the other person because I did not want Buck to hurt him. But I also knew that if he went for the gun, I would be going one way and Buck would be going straight for the intruder, and Buck would hit his target before the intruder could even reach his gun. Buck could go from "slick cam" to tsunami in a heart beat.
I like to think that folks understand me to be a friendly and accepting person. However, I am also, ALWAYS ON DUTY. I am not looking for an opportunity to attack, but I am very protective of my flock. I realize that there are lions and bears and giants in the land, who want to destroy the faith of God's children. I realize that the devil goes about, like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. False prophets, false doctrines, false Christs abound, as they promote their other Jesus, other gospel and other Spirit.
Obviously I don't believe in physical violence, but I do believe in fighting the good fight of faith. I believe we should be EVER READY and also ALWAYS ON DUTY.
Acts 20:28-30
28 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.
29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
