The Shepherd and the Cowboy

Take a look at the two pictures below. One of the main differences you notice is how they move their charges from one place to another. The shepherd often will lead the sheep from the front, whilst the cowboy drives them from the rear.

                                                                                           Shepherds LEAD from the FRONT                           Cowboys DRIVE from the REAR

Why would you follow someone? Because you trust them! and, once you know them to be trustworthy, you will feel safe in their presence. The sheep have come to trust in the shepherd and that is why they will follow him. Because of that trust, they will listen to what the shepherd says and obey his instructions. They come to know his voice. He can call them, and they will come to him.

So, why would you move away from someone? Because you don’t trust them! It may be that you either don’t know them or have had an experience with them whereby your trust was not earned. They may have proved themselves untrustworthy, of letting you down, or perhaps someone you know. In a case like this, where there is no existing trust; where the action is desired, the enforcement often reverts to one of the threats. Fear. In the case of the cowboy, the herd is driven from behind by making loud noises, shouting, and even slapping the cattle with their lasso. Once the cattle have experienced this, virtually every time after that when the cowboy comes near to the cow, it will move away from him. They have learned to accept intimidation. Desired results are achieved through fear or trepidation.

The comparison here is not to put down the cowboy or his methods of controlling his charges, but to explain the difference between the Lord God Almighty and Satan.

Satan rules by fear through threats (the loud noises, the shouting, the use of the lasso). He does not care for those who are beneath him, they are just subjects to him. Servants are to be used as he desires.

The Lord God Almighty achieves His results based upon guidance through love and kindness; and what animal or person will not eventually be drawn to that because of their desire for that?

In these latter days, the Lord God is looking for those who have the understanding of His love and His great desire to bring each person into His family where they belong. To do this He has called all of His children to become disciples.

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (Mark 16:15)  

But He is looking for those who will become shepherds and not cowboys!

As Christians, we are to be leaders. That is not to say are all called to be evangelists, or into fivefold ministry, or a part of it.

Leaders and leadership refers to being out in front, like the shepherd. Not to bully, or manipulate or place guilt upon, not to crack a whip or a lasso. Christians are not called to be cowboys.

Leading someone can be as simple as leaving them to the Lord. And, every Christian is commissioned to do that. Not every Christian is appointed or anointed for a ministry office. The leadership role can be anything that serves others by guiding and showing the way in a specific circumstance. It can also, as with many cases, be a prelude to your ministerial role of the future.

The role of the leader is one of servitude to others.  Jesus, as a God, washed feet. A servant to all. And so should you be the same.

Through Eagles Wings Ministry’s Systematic Discipleship Program, we offer you the opportunity to not only discover the greater calling upon your life but to teach you and train you, with the Holy Spirit’s guidance, to attain the highest height of that calling.

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