Heads or Tails?

I have separated these transferable traits of sheep because I see them as 2 sides of a coin, or shall I say 2 sides of a sheep? These traits are disparate and should be inseparable in the life of any and every Christian:

Follower-sheep: Closely linked to the fact that sheep are friendly and like to flock is that they are known to follow without thinking. That’s how they are raised from when they are lambs. “Follow without thinking” what a thought!!! Yes that’s what we are to do as Christians – follow Christ without thinking. It’s not our place to rationalise or ask, “how will this be” or turn out. We just need to trust the Maker of heaven and earth that His plans for us are for our good (& His glory). The sheep’s obedience in following the shepherd is what keeps it out of danger; remember it’s defenceless without the shepherd.

Can you guess what the other side of the "coin" is? I didn't even know this "side of the coin" existed until when led to write on why God refers to us as "the sheep of His pasture". The picture may not give you a hint but here it is...


Leader-sheep: Did you know that there is a specie of sheep in Iceland known as leadersheep? Neither did I – we sure learn everyday. “Leadersheep are highly intelligent animals that have the ability and instinct to lead a flock home during difficult conditions. They have an exceptional ability to sense danger. There are many stories in Iceland of leadersheep saving many lives during the fall roundups when blizzards threatened shepherds and flocks alike.”*


In as much as God expects us to follow Him in total trust, we must also know that He has placed people around us for us to look out for them as well as for ourselves. As we seek God’s face for our purpose in life and rely on Him for grace to pursue it with passion, we must do likewise for our family and friends. You sure can't be all things to all men...you can at least me some things to some "men".

Henrik Ibsen said: A community is like a ship; everyone ought to be prepared to take the helm. At different times, in different communities/churches/organisations you find yourself, God may need you to step up to the plate and be the “Leadersheep”…when you have to, continue to follow Him closely, you’ll know what to do. For sure, you can be the head and also the "tail" - when following God...

Sources:
*http://www.sheep101.info/flocking.html
For more info on Leader-sheep, check out:
http://lavenderfleece.com/leadersheep.html & http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leader_sheep#Breed_history_and_leader-sheep