Paths of Righteousness For His Name Sake

By Dennis Rowan

A few days ago I left the house early in the morning to discover that more than one hundred of my sheep were in my neighbor's pasture. I can recall at least four instances within the past two weeks that one or more of my sheep were "outa pocket". I often use that expression meaning out-of-pocket, or simply meaning sheep are in some place other than where they should be. So long as they are "outa pocket" but still on my land then the problem is not so serious as being over in the neighbor's field.

A sheep alone and separated from the flock can cause problems for the shepherd and endanger the sheep.

Most livestock producers live by a code of ethics that says things can get serious when your livestock gets through the fence on to a neighbor's property. The issue is not necessarily damage from the livestock. In fact, my neighbor was gone and was not to return until several days after that morning I found my sheep in his pasture. I could have left them there several days, but the first thing I did after that discovery was get Sport, our Border Collie herding dog and move the sheep back to where they belonged. The issue among honorable livestock producers is their name. We do not want our name associated with a bunch of sheep that are out of control and will never stay where they belong. Most every time a neighbor's livestock has gotten into my fields the owner has been very apologetic and usually offers some payment for any damages. These men want to do what is right and do not want to be known as that farmer who can't keep his animals under control.

The prophet Isaiah said, "All we like sheep have gone astray." (Isa. 53:6) I think most Christians understand what that means, but when David wrote the line that says "…he leadeth me in paths of righteousness for His name sake.", a somewhat different twist is revealed. Do we realize that Christians who go on wrong paths, go the wrong direction, and generally go the way of the world, that the name sake of our Holy God is damaged?

One of the common criticisms of Christians is that we don't act any different than the world. Many who reject Christianity do so because they do not perceive Christians to be any different. This, of course, is not a new revelation I have; most of us understand the problem. However I do wish to point out some serious problems as we look at large groups of people who call themselves Christians.

• Recent polls have shown that the divorce rate among Christians is slightly higher than the rest of the population.
• Among the many Baby Boomers who claim to be born again, one-third believe Jesus is not the only way to heaven.
• About one-third of these born again Boomers believe in reincarnation.
• The elite leaders of several denominations continue to raise issues such as abortion rights and the rights of homosexuals to fill the pulpit as pastor or priest. These should be non issues in Christianity; God has already settled those issues.
• Ask any knowledgeable minister and he will admit that a large number of seminaries are not of God.

For the name sake of God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit many who claim to be Christians are making it difficult for the faithful remnant to get the message out. While most praying Christians likely pray for our nation's leaders and we pray for Christian workers we know. For me personally, I am also praying that God will remove the wolves in sheep's clothing. If leaders do not accept the righteousness of God, then we don't need them leading others astray.

For my name sake I want my sheep to stay in my pasture. That is why I quickly return them when they stray. In addition to damaging my name they set up circumstances where sheep on wrong paths will eventually bring destruction upon themselves. The sheep simply don't understand their destructive ways like I do.

In a like manner we Christians don't understand how some paths can lead to our destruction. That's why the Bible is so crucial for the renewing of our minds. We need to seek God like never before and soundly reject those doctrines that are contrary to the Word of God. We need to let Him examine our heart to reveal any of the more subtle ways we are going astray and ask that Him to lead us in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

Dennis Rowan
Shepherd-In-Training