Week Forty-Four - A Pack or a Flock

Beside the Well

            Think with me about some of the differences.  A pack runs wild.  They are usually violent hunters scraping and fighting among themselves over their prey.  A pack has an alpha-male who is normally the first to eat at a kill.  When a lower-ranked wolf greets the dominant wolf, he may lick the muzzle like a servant would when kissing a king’s scepter.  A lone wolf is one that has been driven away from the pack.  Since he is out fending for himself, he can be more of a danger.

            Sheep, on the other hand, are not wild.  They are not hunters and do not normally fight over their food.  They are very social, have a strong flocking instinct and need visual contact with other sheep to prevent excess stress.  A sheep, separated from the rest of the flock, grows agitated and is vulnerable.

            Let’s try applying this to the difference in spiritual sheep and wolves.  Wolves do not consider themselves subject to the Word of God.  They are wild and rebellious by nature.  They are out to climb the ladder at all costs and run over those who get in their way.  Being top dog is paramount and keeping others beneath and subservient is important.  Like the wolf in the story of the Three Little Pigs, they are out to get what they want, no matter what damage they inflict.

            Sheep, on the other hand, recognize the voice of the Father and are more prone to follow.  They rest in the care of the shepherd while grazing in green pastures beside still waters.  While in the company of other sheep they feel safe and are comforted watching their fellows feeding on the Word and growing in grace.

            Spurgeon wrote, “It is the nature of the Lord’s people to assemble themselves together, and line in companies: wild beasts may roam the woods alone, but sheep go in flocks.  David said, “I am a companion of all them that fear thee,” and he showed his piety not only by being select in his company, but in loving such fellowship when he found it.”

            More and more I am seeing the characteristics of the wolf pack taking precedence in society.  Sadly, it even appears in the church.  The fellowship of the flock is demeaned and ridiculed—even abandoned by many.  It seems too docile, too simple, and too ignorant for today.

            God’s people have always gone in flocks.  We are the sheep of His pasture.  We are not a pack of wolves, and neither should we be.  If I am His sheep, a wolf is not my best choice for a friend.  The pack mentality is not the Lord’s intent for His people.

            So, it makes me question.  Am I being select in my company?  Am I ashamed to be a part of the flock?  Am I listening to the voice of my shepherd or running with the pack?