Sheeple Explained

Have you heard the term “sheeple”? It is a derogatory term given to those that follow government edicts and health officials’ recommendations without question. It is a combination of Sheep and People. Funny that. Jesus clearly stated that “sheep” will enter the Kingdom of God, while “goats” will be cast into an eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. (You can read the full story in Matthew 25:31-46) In this story, the “sheep” are the ones that feed the hungry, look after the sick, fight for injustice, clothe the poor and take in the stranger. The “goats”, on the other hand, are self-seeking, independent, and unsympathetic to the plight of others. The characteristics of a sheep are not what is held in high honor in this culture. However, the goat like traits of independence, stubbornness, self-care, and irreverence to those in authority are considered commendable and worthy of emulating.

Sheep left alone are quite vulnerable. In fact, sheep without a good shepherd cannot survive in the wild. Interestingly, if a sheep happens to roll onto its back, it cannot get up on its own. Someone has to roll it over and assist it up. Just like sometimes we get into a predicament where we need someone to give us a hand up. Sheep are prone to panic. Thus the need for a calming presence of the shepherd - offering safety and protection. Sometimes we need someone in our life to help us get the right perspective, so we do not run into a mess. Lastly, sheep tend to follow other sheep, even to their own destruction. Thus, it is important to have a good shepherd involved in their lives that will lead them to where the good grass is, where it is good water to drink, and where it is safe from predators.

The important point is to have a good shepherd. When we have the good shepherd in our lives, it is a protection. Read again the 23rd Psalm. Here the psalmist (a shepherd himself) says even in the midst of enemies, the sheep are quite safe.

Like never before, the church is filled with controversies, conspiracy theories, and wild speculation. Many people are being led astray due to an unhealthy independence and irreverence to authority. Notice what the Apostle Paul says to his disciple, Timothy; “If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4  he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5  and constant friction between men of corrupt mind.” (1 Timothy 6:3-5)

Jesus is our good shepherd, and if we will follow him, we can be true sheeple, bringing good works and salvation to lost souls into our world.

This Sunday I will be continuing my IT IS BETTER TOGETHER series and I will be speaking on in the fort, for support. The Church was God’s idea from the very beginning as a place for safety, protection, and guidance for sheep that tend to go astray and get into a mess. The Devil wants to separate the sheep, get us divided and thus vulnerable, and to mistrust each other, creating ineffectual church and one without light in the community. We need the church for our own safety. This Sunday, I will be sharing the “why” of our church and it is BETTER TOGETHER.

Sunday Celebration

We are meeting in person on Sundays at 10:30am, as well as on Facebook Live on the Kootenay Christian Fellowship Church FB Page, for those not feeling comfortable attending a public gathering. We will use best practices and accepted protocols to ensure a safe environment for all worshippers gathering with us. Our service will be short and there will be no coffee or food offered at this time.

After service is over, we invite you to socialize outside the building.

We are also on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNT9GnRlN0fPZdvqmaUV_LA

Please subscribe to our channel while you are there.

Looking forward to seeing you all in person or on Facebook Live on the Kootenay Christian Fellowship Church FB Page. https://www.facebook.com/kootenaychristianfellowshipnelsonbc

Jim Reimer, Pastor

August 20, 2020