We live in a world where many things are changing and uncertain. But no matter what’s happening around us, there’s a higher perspective. We must be careful who we’re following. Let’s think about this together.
If we obsess about following the news, remember it’s the most sensational stories that keep viewers coming back – and that sells commercials. This is nothing new. William Randolph Hearst and his “yellow journalism” manipulated the news media by buying up newspapers and publishing gossip-like, exaggerated headlines and fabricated stories that sold more newspapers which was his only goal, combined with power. In one example, he created such public hysteria that he was credited with pushing the U.S. into the 1898 Spanish-American War printing biased and fraudulent claims over facts. People believed them.
If we look at following social media and the choices others have made to dictate our values, we’re giving influencers an open door to provide “wisdom” and answers about what’s most important and lead us to “ultimate happiness.” Is it fashion and fame and “pretty privilege”? Is it money and possessions and partying? Following this path leads people to wonder why their own life seems so empty and “less than” which can lead to crippling depression and anxiety. Have you noticed how many influencers have been taking their own lives recently? I have.
If we follow people who teach a variety of spiritual and metaphysical practices, we’ll be taught that we are inherently divine and personal experience is the true source of spiritual authority. You create your own deity. Most also believe in reincarnation and karma – a series of multiple lifetimes. Snycretism is the idea that all religions are different paths to the same reality. This teaches that Jesus, Buddha, Muhammad and others are all “ascended masters” and enlightened teachers. Just to be clear, none of these beliefs are what the Bible teaches.
Isn’t it interesting that throughout history, people have been looking for something or someone to follow? There must be more to the story.
There’s a beautiful theme that runs throughout the Bible: the sheep and the shepherd. Now sheep, especially lambs, are adorable and they’re followers like us. When one goes first, others do too, saying “this must be the right thing to do because now we’re all going that way.” One dog can herd a hundred sheep into a pen. We’re not that different! Who we follow makes all the difference, but in the examples we just talked about, we the “sheep” can be so gullible we don’t always make sure we’re following the right leader.
Because we’ve been given free will to roam about earth making our own choices, Jesus – who is God the Son – knew that we would wander off if we didn’t know the truth. That’s why He came on a mission to teach us and save us so while others choose not to believe in Him, those who do believe can find the narrow gate that leads to salvation and Heaven – the ultimate “pasture.”
About 600 years before Jesus was born, the Prophet Isaiah foretold that One would come to care for, guide, and save the sheep in Isaiah 53:6 (NLT):
“All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s path to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on Him the sins of us all.”
Then John 10:9-16 (NLT) records what Jesus Himself says about the sheep:
“Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pasture. The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep.
I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me, and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.”
The “other sheep” Jesus refers to are the Gentiles now added to the flock of the Israelites to become one with one Shepherd. The thief and wolf refer to the enemy, satan. The unfaithful hired hand refers to false leadership that only cares as long as they are paid.
Are you on the right path that leads through the one and only gate – Jesus? If not, will you change paths today? Choose the Good Shepherd to lead you today and read more about the sheep and shepherd in God’s Word, the Bible.
RESET HIGHER: Have you ignored a wolf that’s been leading you astray to harm you? Who are you following?
Do you have little lambs or grand lambs in your life? What choices are they beginning to make and who do they already follow? Are you allowing any wolves to come near to them that can harm them? Lead them by example to the right path. They’re watching you too!
