"Why many CHRISTIANS are giving SHEEP a BAD NAME!"

I am fully persuaded that Jesus did not have this in mind when He made mankind analogous to sheep. Never in His wildest dream could He have imagined that His sheep would become so vulnerable, miserable and defenseless. The way Christians are "carrying on" today, they are giving sheep a bad name!    

In the following passage, Jesus makes a distinct between His sheep and the sheep that have been seduced by the "hirelings" into leaving the "fold" (protection and direction of Christ):  

"...Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe ; the works that I do in My Father's name, these testify of Me. "But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep. "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish ; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. "My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all ; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one." (John 10:25-30)  

They are of a gregarious nature...meaning they love to be with the herd, they are herbivores. Sheep must have a leader (shepherd) and must be told what to do and where to go, other wise they'll wander off and get lost. The government of the Kingdom of Heaven has been perverted by the corruption of mankind. Now our nation, leaders and other institutions are like wolves leading the sheep to slaughter.

These are the Characteristics of Sheep:

1. timid, fearful, easily panicked 2. dumb, stupid, gullible 3. very vulnerable to fear, frustration, pests, hunger 4. easily influenced by a leader, by the shepherd 5. stampede easily, vulnerable to mob psychology 6. little or no means of self-defense; can only run 7. easily killed by enemies 8. the shepherd is most effective, calming influence 9. jealous, competitive for dominance 10. constantly need fresh water, fresh pasture 11. have very little discernment in choosing food or water 12. perverse, stubborn - will insist on their own way , even eating poisonous plants or drinking dirty water 13. easily "cast" - flipped over on their back, unable to right themselves will die of starvation if not turned over by shepherd; helpless 14. frequently look for easy places to rest 15. don't like to be sheared, cleaned 16. too much wool can cause sheep to be easily "cast" 17. creatures of habit; get into "ruts" 18. need the most care of all livestock 19. need to be "on the move"; need a pre-determined plan, pattern of grazing 20. totally dependent of shepherd for every need 21. need "rod and staff" guidance

Do these characteristics reflect you or someone you know? Have you been snatched from the hand of Christ Jesus? Who took you away? If so, repent, reject the deception and return to the bosom of Jesus Christ for the blessed assurance which is eternal life in His presence and that of the Father. Selah!