"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbs up some other way, he is a thief and a robber. ² "But he who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep. ³ "To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out. ⁴ "When he puts forth all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. ⁵ "And a stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers" (John 10:1-5).

The innocence and humility of the Christian demand abstinence from self-defense. The question is then asked: why can’t the Christian defend himself? Is it a sin to defend oneself as it relates to God’s unchanging Law? Why can’t I study Martial Arts in order to protect myself? One plausible answer is inevitable. If a Christian desires to secure and preserve his own life by means of Martial Arts, why then does he recite certain Bible scriptures as if he truly believes in them:

1. “Psalm 91:1-16 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. ² I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." ³ Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. ⁴ He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. ⁵ You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, ⁶ nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. ⁷ A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. ⁸ You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. ⁹ If you make the Most High your dwelling-- even the LORD, who is my refuge-- ¹⁰ then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. ¹¹ For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; ¹² they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. ¹³ You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. ¹⁴ "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. ¹⁵ He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. ¹⁶ With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

2. Psalm 34:7, 17-20 “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. ¹⁷ The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. ¹⁸ The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. ¹⁹ A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; ²⁰ he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.”

3. Psalm 41:1-2 Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble. ² The LORD will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes.

Anyone who places his or her faith in these promises would certainly embrace the following teachings of Christ for it all falls within the “rebirth” package [Being reborn of water and Spirit].

1. Matthew 16:24-25 "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. ²⁵ For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

2. Matthew 5:39-42 “Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. ⁴⁰ And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. ⁴¹ And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. ⁴² Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.”

Since the preceding passages insinuate rivalry, we must analyze how the first war came about. A created angel refused to humbly adore his Creator and Sustainer of life (retaliation/rebellion). Since that angel’s desire was not met, his lack of power and control incited him to fight the One who gave him wisdom and beauty (anger/powerlessness). Satan is the one responsible for the ‘Art of Fighting.’ Christ never once used force to overcome his adversaries. As a matter of fact, He sternly rebuked Peter for having done so at the moment of His unjustified arrest (John 18:10-11).

Is there a distinct reason why our Creator chose to identify us, his followers, as ‘sheep’ spiritually and symbolically? Is it because He is a ‘Shepherd’ thus making us His sheep by default? Is it because of the sheep’s peculiar characteristics? I suggest all of the above. The Shepherd and Sheep titles are part of God’s language of salvation for the benefit of His people. In a sense, we can view the Shepherd and Sheep identities as an extension of the Father and Son relationship with a broader spectrum. What may be included in that spectrum as it relates directly to the sheep? In order to thoroughly elaborate we must call upon the sheep experts.

As we will expose the distinctive traits of the sheep, he who chooses to pick up his cross daily will cross referenced these traits to He who was slaughtered for the salvation of the world. The following excerpt will give us a more profound understanding of what it means to be a Christian-sheep based on the physical behavior and characteristics of an animal-sheep. One thing to be aware of: we can’t learn the natural behavior of a sheep. A sheep is something that we become when we are born again. If it is something we imitate it is no longer the work and fruit of the Holy Spirit. All imitators are labeled as 'false prophets' (Matthew 7:15).

“Behavior is an important part of what makes a sheep a sheep, so an important question to answer is ‘what is a sheep?’ One of the world’s foremost sheep ethologists, Dr. R. Kilgour, defines a sheep as ‘defenseless, wary, tight-flocking, visual, wool-covered ruminant (cud-chewing animal)”. ¹

Much of what makes a sheep behaviorally unique is related to being a ruminating herbivore (plant-eating animal). For example, contrast sheep feeding behavior with carnivorous (meat-eating) feeding patterns. Carnivores spend a much smaller proportion of their time consuming food and a considerable amount of time stalking. Sheep normally spend more time consuming food (reading Scripture) and ruminating (cud-chewing ‘studying Scripture’) and little time in searching for food. Carnivores must attack and subdue their food before consuming it. Carnivores are aggressive, sheep passive. Carnivores kill sheep.

Ethologists have considered the time spent ruminating as an indicator of the basic nature of the sheep. Ruminating can take several hours a day and requires that the animal be comfortable and relaxed. The cud-chewing time is usually spent in groups and may be accompanied by mutual and self-grooming activity. It is also suggested that rumination serve as an ‘anti-boredom’ activity.” ² The way the sheep eats is an integral part of what makes a sheep a sheep. Since the sheep is a ruminant, it is predictable that much of the behavior that is demonstrated is related to the consumption of forages. Behavior has direct effects on consuming patterns, feedstuff availability and selection of feeds. Sheep devote more time eating that to any other behavioral activity. Feed and forage are generally the most expensive items in the shepherd’s budget.”³

Reiterating this paragraph with a spiritual connotation demands an explicit and realistic application. The preceding paragraphs, when applied to Christians, allude directly to the necessity to diligently study the Holy Scriptures. Not a short study but a thorough study in order to dissipate boredom. By nature, God’s sheep avoid the pleasures of the world as a means of eliminating boredom by engaging themselves with lengthy and daily Bible studies. It is just another trap of the enemy. Again, I would like to remind you that such behavior occurs naturally and not forcefully. An animal sheep is never forced to act or behave as a real sheep; it is one by birth.

Sheep do not learn these traits. They are part of their genetic make-up. Not even their shepherd has the ability to train them. The same principal applies to the Christian-sheep. We are born again as sheep. We do not learn how to become one by being trained by Christ our Shepherd. We become one by being empowered by Christ (John 15: 1-6). This is the result of the rebirth process which the Messiah spoke of to Nicodemus (John 3: 1-8). A Christian-sheep is born again of water and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3: 5). The same applies to the goats of the world [human-goats as referred of in (Matthew 25:31-46)]. They are born as goats and remain as goats unless they surrender themselves to the Savior of the world.

No one learns how to be wicked for each one is born as such: “I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me” (Psalm 51: 5). One’s identity as a sheep or a goat results from the spirit that animates the mind. He who is animated by an evil spirit is a goat. He who lives according to the Holy Spirit effortlessly and naturally demonstrates the traits and characteristics of a sheep."You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles, are they? ¹⁷ "Even so, every good tree bears good fruit; but the bad tree bears bad fruit” (Matthew 7:16-17).

He who tries to behave like a sheep by his own efforts validates the following: “ Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence. ²⁶ "You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may become clean also . 27 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. 28 "Even so you too outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness” (Matthew 23:25-28).

“Prey species, like sheep and cattle, have a much wider visual field. With only slight head movement, sheep can scan their entire surroundings. If there is a threat, the sheep is likely to perceive it and the behavioral response is generally to flee.” ⁴ This natural tendency of the animal-sheep finds meaning for the Christian-sheep through the inspired words of Peter: “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Notice the first command of the first sentence. The apostle exhorts us to keep our spirits sober, free of intoxicating drinks or drugs that will rob us of the ability to discern the holy from the profane. Only a sound mind can keep us alert of the enemy’s traps.

This particular command to remain sober was first pronounced in the Old Testament: "Do not drink wine or strong drink, neither you nor your sons with you, when you come into the tent of meeting, so that you may not die-- it is a perpetual statute throughout your generations-- ¹⁰ and so as to make a distinction between the holy and the profane, and between the unclean and the clean…” (Leviticus 10:9-10).

“Part of the explanation for the flocking instinct is that it is a protective mechanism. The sheep is not equipped with the tools that allow it to the effectively fight predators, so they will normally flee an attack. The odds of successful escape are directly proportional to the ability to detect the attack as quickly as possible.”⁵ How did Joseph demonstrate his 'sheep' traits when he encountered a threat? We find this answer in Genesis 39:12 after Joseph was threatened by Potiphar’s wife: “ And she caught him by his garment, saying, ‘Lie with me!’ And he left his garment in her hand and fled, and went outside.” As I mentioned earlier, this is a natural respond. It did not result from either reasoning or logic but it was rather a moving of and a response to the Holy Spirit.

Will sheep choose flight or fight when confronted with a threat? It has become quite customary for 'so-called' Christian parents to send their little ones to a Martial Arts center for the sole purpose to defend/protect themselves in case of danger. Some are even permitting their children to be trained with fire-arms. How do we reconcile such self-centered desire of protection with that of a sheep? Such necessity contrasts the very first passages of scripture that begin this subject. How do we answer the question in bold marking? “First, let me define ‘flight zone.’ This is the space around the sheep which, if entered by a perceived threat, will cause the sheep to react. If the sheep have a choice, they will choose flight. Again, if the sheep have a choice, they will choose flight andnot fight. Just in case you didn’t get it, if the sheep have a choice, they will choose flight andnot fight. Sheep will attempt to escape from a person or dog who enters their flight zone…” ⁶

What is the content of the sheep's dietary regimen? It is not coincidental that the Bereans examined the Scriptures to test their validity. “Sheep will select fresh feed in preference to spoiled feed.” ⁷ We must differentiate between sound and false doctrines. This differentiation can only occur by the help of the Holy Spirit. “Sheep have the ability to differentiate feedstuffs and taste may play a role in this behavior. When presented with a variety of feeds, sheep will select certain feeds over other practical situations, such as under grazing conditions with multiple forage species present, the sheep will select different types and species than goats or cattle.” ⁸

Do sheep have a preference over water source (running or still)? Sheep “will pick still water when they have a choice. In fact, based on field reports, they may cut back on water consumption if running water is not available.”⁹ This peculiarity of the sheep adds clarity to the content of the second verse of the most popular Psalm written by David the shepherd: “He leads me beside still waters.” Since David always led his sheep to still waters He in turn testifies of the willingness of the Master Shepherd to always lead him beside still waters.

Are sheep inclined to live individually or communally? “Sheep chose to be in a flock. They know it is the safest thing. The tighter they are the more time they have to detect predators and flee from evil. They are also extremely social animals and they depend on the flock. Did you know that sheep will not graze if it cannot see 4 or 5 other sheep while it is grazing?

Because of their wide eyesight, they are constantly looking out for the entire herd instead of focusing on what they are eating. There is, of course, a requirement for the sheep to sacrifice a large portion of their individuality in return for the advantages of being part of the flock, but individuality is not a highly valued trait in sheep.”¹⁰ This is the very reason why the master instructor of the Holy Scriptures, the Holy Spirit, inspired the once persecutor of Christ's church to transcribe the following:

I Corinthians 12: 12-14, 24-27 “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. ¹³ For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body- Jews or Greeks, slaves or free- and all were made to drink of one Spirit. ¹⁴ For the body does not consist of one member but of many... ²⁴ God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, ²⁵ that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. ²⁶ If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. ²⁷ Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.”

This communal exhortation was well lived out as the Church was in its primal phase. In the absence of dissension, Luke reveals the charitable heart of the believers expressing the utmost enthusiasm to have everything in common. The new converts “ were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³ And everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. ⁴⁴ And all those who had believed were together, and had all things in common; ⁴⁵ and they began selling their property and possessions, and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need”

(Acts 2:42-45) . If a believer resides in isolation how can he or she demonstrate the love of Christ when it can only be manifested toward one's neighbor? Love mandates giving, sharing, accepting and tolerating where none of these elements can be unleashed without the presence of another human being.

A sheep, as the genuine Christian is portrayed by the True Shepherd Himself, never retaliates. If these distinct characteristics are not part of who you are, you then need to question yourself about yourself. What is preventing you from producing the fruit of the Spirit? Am I selfish, am I aggressive, am I defensive, does living in a community irritate me, do I spend many hours chewing the cud (studying the Holy Word), am I particular about my feeds, will I take my neighbor to court, will I strike back etc.? Matthew 10:16 "Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

P.S. Whether you are eating, drinking, singing, preaching, whatever you do, do it all for the Glory of God. Live today as if it was the last day you will live for and in Christ.

TAKE UP YOUR CROSS DAILY AND FOLLOW CHRIST!