Sheep don't need fences

Last week in my Sunday school class, we were studying John 10. When contemplating the difference between sheep and goats, I was struck by the difference in their need for fences. A goat is independent, likes to be alone, and goes it's own way. One who raises goats would know that in order to keep them together, you would HAVE to fence them in. Sheep behave differently. They prefer to be with other sheep in their flock, and they follow the voice of their shepherd. Sheep in the open country to not need fences to contain them, they need only the voice and leading of their shepherd.

This applies to me well when I struggle spiritually. When God convicts me of a sin, I initially receive the conviction with joy and have delight in repentance. Soon after however, my tendency is to try to maintain obedience to this conviction by erecting for myself a fence- a law or a boundry. What happens then is that I take my eyes off of my shepherd, and I start looking at my fence. The accuser lies in wait, and takes advantage of me when I look away from my Saviour. He tries to sideline my faith by causing me to have guilt, fear, and self-burden.

But praise be to God, my remedy is right before me! He is my Shepherd, who gently reassures my that "there is NO condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1)," and who "leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake (Psalm 23:3)." I have to keep on preaching the Gospel to myself as I listen to the voice of my Shepherd. I'll seek to "keep my eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith(Hebrews 2:2).