My family and I indulged in the new Robin Hood movie, co-starring Jamie Foxx. In one scene the topic was about the power that comes from fear. In particular when misusing God’s word to breed fear in order to control the masses. A thought came to mind. In my opinion, the way that certain churches before and during the Age of Enlightenment Period ruled with fear mongering is relative to the ways of today’s social media and politically bias reporting era. Political leaders and their devotees are using the media and social media trends to herd us like fearful sheep in any direction they desire. Like threatened sheep we consistently take to the direction we are pushed toward. We are herded into pens or pastures with names like Russian intervention, North Korean retaliation, abortion, border crisis, gun control, socialism, or freedom infringement. Let me make myself clear before the wolves descend, in these chosen containments there are sparks, if not blazes, of truth and a necessary amount of sheep are needed to seek them out and diligently solve the issues under God’s service. However, there is an astounding amount of embellishment going on. It starts within the ranks but is spread and multiplied like wildfire through taps of the keys and clicks of the buttons. Before long the truth is hidden and fear is at dangerous heights forcing people to react in the manner politicians were betting on. So, the masses become fearful sheep with shepherds that do not lookout for their best interests.

I want to engage us to jump the fence and live in the meadow under the care of our true shepherd Jesus Christ. Under His care we are released from fear and are fed encouraging love to grow our faith in Him. He does not manipulate his flock and always leaves our freedom of choice intact.

When you are reading the lines of the next scary headline. Stop. Do not share unless you have fact checked to the point of certainty and then ask yourself, ‘What can I do to help?’. Pray, open your wallet, or get your hands dirty. Then share if you feel you must and can depend on others to pray and help out as well. Spreading fear does not lead to holy things. However spreading faith and God’s work is ALWAYS productive and worth-while.

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep 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 are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.  John 10:14-16

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, you shall not drown; when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Isaiah 43:2

I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all who hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:24

In righteousness shall you be established: you shall be far from oppression; for you shall not fear: and from terror; for it shall not came near thee. Isaiah 54:14

In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid of what man can do unto me. Psalm 56:11

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your path. Proverbs 3:5,6

No man can serve two masters. Matthew 6:24