Only the presence of the Good Shepherd can meet the Four Requirements to MAKE a Sheep Lie Down. Here’s number two:
Because of their social behavior within a flock sheep will not lie down unless they are free from friction with others of their kind.
Listen to Timothy Keller:
“When idolatry is mapped onto the future – when our idols are threatened – it leads to paralyzing fear and anxiety. When it is mapped onto the past – when we fail our idols – it leads to irremediable guilt. When idolatry is mapped onto the present life – when our idols are blocked or removed by circumstances – it roils us with anger and despair.”[1]
I’m an atta-boy addict. I demand it from those close to me, early and often. Withhold it and a button gets pushed. “Do you like the faithful service and support I provide around here? Haven’t heard a thank-you lately. Did you not notice?” Now, add in the slightest hint of suggestion or correction, and you just pressed the red nuke button. I escalate into full blown entitled demands. “Why are you so good at catching me do it wrong? A little thanks would go a long way. How about some encouragement? Am I on the inside of this team? I sure feel like the bumbling idiot. Oh, I am so inadequate.”
A cow swats me with a well-aimed tail, knocking my glasses off. I can’t find them. I can’t see. I want to punch something. An unexpected, skillful hind leg kick somehow crushes my forearm between bone and steel. I do punch something. Out fly previously suppressed profanities. Dross arising!
Sometimes, by God’s grace, I hear myself articulating my idea of the good life that’s been denied; partly directed toward those close to me, partly at God. It’s an awareness, a subtle inward shift in my soul. Hot anger shifts to piercing conviction. I feel my need for remedy more than my demand for approval. I own the dross and confess my sin.
Prayer: Father, I want applause, approval, and praise from others. But that enslaves me. At night I toss in bed at snubs, at being ignored. Criticism feels like death. Help me live out of the joy and stability of knowing that I am your child and heir and that in Christ you delight in me. Amen.[2]
Photo Credit: Bighorn Sheep, Cunningham Outdoors, LLC
[1] Timothy Keller, Counterfeit Gods, pg. 149.
[2] Timothy and Kathy Keller, The Songs of Jesus, pg. 227.
Barnyard of Heaven 
My boss at work sometimes (not very often) gives an Atta-Boy and it means soooo much. Why do we need it so much to the point of feeling useless without some praise? I try to turn it around and see if I’ve given some uplifting words of encouragement to those around me knowing what it can do to lift someone’s day. I want to pour it out without needing it so much… that’s my goal. Not there yet. God’s patient.
Mary Ann, thanks for the beautiful reminder to pour out encouragement. By God’s grace, we can.
Ron