Some people like to criticize and tell you that you are going the wrong way. They are like the sheepdogs the shepherd sends out to bring back straying sheep. The sheepdog nips at a sheep's heels to drive it back to the shepherd. Although the sheepdog does the right thing, it is not able to care for the flock as a shepherd does.
Only the shepherd is fully aware of all the needs of the flock. Only the shepherd is able to protect the flock, care for the flock, and love each individual sheep. A shepherd gives shepherd blessings, as described in Psalm 23. A shepherd is able to restore the soul.
God is our good shepherd. Some follow God as assistant shepherds, loving the flock with God's love. Some follow God as sheep dogs, nipping at the heels of the flock to drive them back toward God. Others are wolves, destroying the flock for their own benefit.
Sheepdogs are not shepherds, and they are not wolves. Sheepdogs give sheepdog blessings.
~ Truthful Grace
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