Merino sheep are known for producing long, fine wool. A few years ago, a renegade merino sheep named Shrek was recently shorn on live television in New Zealand. The 10-year-old Shrek’s shearing produced a giant fleece that some are saying is the largest ever –enough to make 20 large men’s suits. The wool was auctioned off to benefit medical charities for children. What’s most interesting about Shrek (who was so named because of the ogre in the children’s movie) is how spent the last six years.
Six years ago Shrek bolted from the flock. For six years he roamed freely on New Zealand’s South Island. He evaded capture and the extreme elements by hiding in rock caves. By the time he was rounded up on April 15, he could hardly see with the wool over his eyes. He could only move with difficulty because of the wool limiting the movement in his legs. Freedom from the shepherd seemed like a good idea, but it nearly cost Shrek his life.
How many Christians do you know who have bolted the Shepherd — answering the siren call to freedom? Avoiding accountability may sound freeing, but in reality can lead to real bondage. Like Shrek, many renegade Christians who bolt end up blinded and paralyzed by the out-of-control growth of their problems and worries. Christians who bolt refuse the concern and care of the Shepherd. Christians who bolt face the dangerous elements on their own.
Christians are called to live with a Shepherd. Thankfully the story of Shrek has a happy ending. He relearned to walk without the heavy burden of his fleece. Sadly, the story of the renegade Christian rarely ends that way.