I Wanna be a Sheep!

I Just Wanna Be a Sheep
Words by Brian M. Howard*

Chorus:
I just wanna be a sheep
Baa, baa, baa, baa
I just wanna be a sheep
Baa, baa, baa, baa
I pray the Lord my soul to keep
I just wanna be a sheep
Baa, baa, baa, baa

Don't wanna be a goat, nope
Don't wanna be a goat, nope
Haven't got any hope, nope
Don't wanna be a goat, nope

Don't wanna be a hypocrite
Don't wanna be a hypocrite
They're not hip to it
Don't wanna be a hypocrite

Don't wanna be a Pharisee
Don't wanna be a Pharisee
They're not fair you see
Don't wanna be a Pharisee

Don't wanna be a Sadducee
Don't wanna be a Sadducee
'Cause they're so sad you see
Don't wanna be a Sadducee

Just wanna be a child of God
Just wanna be a child of God
Walkin' the same path He trod
Just wanna be a child of God

Do you remember singing this song during Vacation Bible School or maybe with your youth group? I began to wax nostalgic several days ago when a friend shared with me a couple of youtube video clips and then told me about an upcoming mission trip. This all made me remember and reflect on my pre-clergy days, those days when I believed with all certainty that as a member of the laity I was entitled to care by my pastor whenever I needed it, owed right instruction on the Word of God, and privileged to abdicate all responsibility of my eternal soul to someone other than myself. Those days were carefree and happy child-like days!

Now, this does not mean to say that I wasn't doing something for the kingdom of God. For several years I went on various mission trips. I traveled to Mexico and Venezuela with other missionary's and helped with the construction of several cement block simple form churches. We did outreach with the families and the children by having VBS. Why, we didn't even ask for a single donation to participate in these programs and we bought all the material in our own home town! I will acknowledge that I received as much as I gave through this work (as is often the case when we give a portion back to God, no matter how small the portion). I received relatively cost-free trips to Mexico and Venezuela. I had the opportunity to visit parts of the world that I never would have traveled to under normal circumstances. I made friends and long-lasting relationships with neighbors and fellow church members, and my self-esteem grew in leaps and bounds whenever I was asked to go on another mission trip because I was "needed". So, I was helping to grow the kingdom of God! Wasn't I?

As I reflected deeper, I recognized that the answer to those questions was a resounding "YES"! I was growing the kingdom of God - just not in the way I thought I was doing it. (Surprised?) What I have come to realize is that my kingdom growing was in my own heart and in my personal spiritual growth. As my baby steps of study, prayer and service helped me grow in my relationship with God, my witness to His love and grace began to touch others that he placed in my path, like a ripple in a pond when a stone is thrown in. Many opportunities have been given to me to talk to others and to example my faith. But more than that, I have developed a friendship with God. I am a sheep that knows the sound of my shepherd's voice. Isn't that one of the ways we can grow the Kingdom of God - by wholly becoming immersed in a relationship with our creator and being a witness to His voice?

Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd." ~ John 10:14-16


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