“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” Matthew 7:15.

Are you a sheep or a wolf?  On Sunday we celebrated the feast of Christ the Good Shepherd. There’s a beautiful image I’m sure we’ve all seen: Christ cradling a lamb on His shoulders. Jesus said He was the shepherd willing to risk His life for His sheep. He was the shepherd who would leave the 99 and seek out the one.

Sheep are known for herd mentality. Thus, if one jumps off the cliff, unfortunately the others will too. Sheep are easily manipulated and easily controlled. They are prey to wolves: cunning animals that will tear them apart. It’s always a visual that sticks in my mind: a small heard of sheep being guided by a small pack of wolves.

We are meant to be sheep.

On Sunday my pastor gave a perspective that surprised me. We are meant to be sheep. Thus, humans are designed to follow herd mentality. We’re built for community with each other and therefore meant to serve a master. The longer we deny how we were created to function, the easier it is to lose the war we don’t know we’re fighting.

Follow the Good Shepherd.

The key to heaven is following Christ. We will survive the wolves only if we build a strong herd and follow the Good Shepherd. That’s why it’s so important to choose good friends, good work, good parishes, and good spouses. Who we spend our time with is who we will develop a herd mentality with. recognize it or not, we all follow someone. We all serve a master. Sheep only follow someone higher than themselves.

Are we following the Good Shepherd? Or are we being herded by wolves?