How Are We Like Sheep?

　　There are certain people in my life that I regard as true friends, friends whom I know I can trust. A true friend is someone who will keep your confidence. You can reveal your heart to a true friend. You can trust a true friend. You can tell a secret to a true friend.

　　Not only that, but a true friend tells you the truth. A true friend will speak the truth, even if it is not easy. Proverbs 27:6 says, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful."

　　God is our friend, and He always will tell us the truth. Not only that, but He wants to reveal His secrets to us. In Psalms 25:14 we read, "The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him. . . ." God wants to speak to us. In fact, Jesus said, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me" (John 10:27).

　　That Jesus compares us to sheep is not a compliment, by the way. Sheep are among the dumbest of all creatures. Most animals, in many cases, will survive if released into the wild. They will learn to fend for themselves and make it. But a sheep released into the wild cannot survive. Sheep have no survival skills whatsoever. They are totally dependent upon the shepherd - just like we are. The sheep come to know that when the shepherd speaks they should follow because his plan for them is better than their plan for themselves.

　　It may be that one of the reasons we don't know the will of God in certain areas is because we have not applied what is clearly the will of God for all areas. Obedience to revealed truth guarantees guidance in matters unrevealed.

　　Recommended

　　9 Ways the Bible Defines True Manliness

　　Taken from "A Friend You Can Trust" by Harvest Ministries (used by permission).