Don't Be A Goat

When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne and all the nations will be assembled before him.  And he will separate them one from  another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.  He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.  Matthew 25: 31-33

Well, this is the day…the first day of school and the first day with a new batch of middle lovelies!  Even after all these years, the first day of school is always a mix of excitement, anticipation, nervousness, and joy.  It’s sad to see summer come to a close but I’m ready to get back to what I love.  I sometimes look back on those years I stayed home with the three little Wohlferts and I wouldn’t trade those years for anything but as a teacher I get to witness so many great parents in action and I realize I could have really benefited from their example  in my own parenting.  

In the parable of the sheep and the goats, Jesus is separating the sheep; the obedient loving followers from the rebellious, stiff necked, defiant goats.  Now, anybody who reads this scripture want to be a sheep for sure!  In fact, most of our journey to Christ centers on being more “sheeplike” so we wind up at his right hand.  This parable came to mind last week during open house when I visited with a really great mom.  I’ve had the privilege of teaching a few of her children and they are completely cool kids; knowing the parents explains it all.

Since I still have a dozen details to take care of before the lovelies arrive I have just a simple thought for you to ponder and pray with today.  I always ask my students how their parents help form their discipleship and the son of the mom I mentioned had an awesome reply.  He told us that when he and his siblings leave the house, his mom yells to them, “Have a good day and DON’T BE A GOAT!”  

Four simple words…don’t be a goat!  How’s that for a living color example of walking as a disciple!  

A Seed To Plant:  Make yourself a little sign that says Don’t Be A Goat!  Then take some prayerful time to identify the places in your life you act a little more like a goat than a sheep.


Blessings on your day!