Transferrable traits...

“Sheep is a term for selective grazing animals”*. They are selective about what they eat. Did you know that Lamb is the lowest in cholesterol of all red meats – is this a reflection of their healthy eating habits? I don’t know the answer but won’t be surprised if that is a contributing factor. They even say that lamb meat is rich in minerals and vitamins. A lot of authors have made money using God’s commands about what we should or should not eat. ** The point here is that we should eat healthy so we can add value to those around us. The second point is to teach our children to eat healthy – lambs learn from their parents – so they can also add value to those around them.

Sheep are gregarious: Basically, sheep are friendly and like to live communally and they grow together. Is that news to you? I sure hope not. Well, as Christians we must be friendly – if you’re proud or always "to be pitied", how can you “shine” attract others to the light of God in you? Any light in you just gets dim or tainted with ungodly virtues.

We also need to support each other and help one another grow…by sharing tips, experience and even advice as required. People should be glad wherever you go not whenever you go. We’ll talk about friendship again and again…

Sheep's wool is the most widely used of any animal. *** Sheep’s wool is the warmest and provides the best form of insulation. Likewise, we should be warm to all the people we meet. Remember the Proverbs 31 woman, who has the law of kindness in her tongue (verse 26)? That’s an example of warmth. When people share their anxiety, burdens, challenges or even desires with you, do they feel the warmth of God’s love when you speak or are silent? Once again, it’s not easy but possible. We’ve talked shared some communication tips in different postings and we’ll be talking about Secret 4: Communication sometime in 2010 – watch out for the series.

Sheep are defenceless creatures: so should we really be like sheep that can barely defend themselves against predators? The answer is “Yes”. Huh?!! Yes, I said “yes”; we should be defenceless. Wait a minute…I’ll explain. Over and over again we read and see (at least I do) how God fights*** for and defends His own. The secret in being “defenceless” is in being and remaining connected to our Defender Who is indefatigable, “indefeatable” (is this a word? Well, you know what I mean). Really, why expend energy fighting or coming up with a strategy when you can just stay under the shadow of His wings**** and see Him fight for you or even rely on Him to give you the strategy which could include teaching your fingers to fight*****? Similarly, why use your words against the devil when you can use God’s word that he cannot contest? Wear the armour He has provided****** and remember, He’s got your back covered!!! Be wise like David and make God your defence… Psalm 62: 2 & 6 - He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. *******

References:
*http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/an_sci/extension/animal/4hyouth/sheep/sheepfacts.htm
** See Leviticus 11
***http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestic_sheep
**** See Exodus 14:14
***** See Psalm 91
****** See Psalm 144:1; 18:34 and the whole chapter
******* Ephesians 6: 10 – 18
******** King James Version