Being of One Mind

The chosen heading is taken to suggest unity and commitment  in shared purpose. The current congregational teaching theme is “People at Prayer”. It may therefore seem questionable that thoughts for The Well should this time focus on shepherds and dogs? On the other hand, Jesus called Himself “The Good Shepherd” (John 10 v 14) going on to say “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice”. It is the matter of listening, of communication, and of acting upon commands which brought to mind a possible analogy to be found in the TV programme “One Man and His Dog”. .

 

Any of us viewing that programme cannot have failed to be deeply moved by the obvious close relationship, mutual affection, and unity of purpose shared twixt shepherd and dog. Also the contrariness, even stubborn behaviour of the sheep! A key feature of the exercise is that the shepherd must stay at the stake (in olden times actually tied to it) and distanced from hands on control.   He will understand the nature of the sheep and wish to see them safely within the fold. He will recognise the hazards in achievement of purpose. The vital point is that his only resource, his only means of success, is close partnership and communication with, and obedience by his dog. Achievement demands mutual understanding and obedience to command. The dog sits at the feet of the master, looking upwards with expectancy of action. Given the word, the dog speeds away on the ‘outrun’, careful not to scare the sheep. There follows the ‘lift’ and the ‘drive’ with various hazards to be negotiated. Throughout the exercise and at appropriate points, the dog pauses with ears cocked, listening for the next signalled directions of the master. ..   Here patience is required as master and dog work in unison. Not uncommonly, a sheep may break from the flock, choosing to go its own way. It is then the task of the dog to act on its own initiative and to shepherd the stray back to the fold. Such is the unity in partnership, that master and dog act as being of one mind in shared purpose. When the course is run, and the flock safely gathered in, the dog returns to sit at the feet of the master, often to receive a stroking hand and an implied if not spoken commendation “Well done, you true and faithful servant”

 

Not to stretch the analogy too far, may we recognise possible application for our personal witness and prayer life? The master (shepherd) and disciple (dog) appear so closely attuned that they function in tandem or harmony on the basis of shared purpose, with communication, command, listening, obedience and discipline as key features of the relationship. A major difference is of course that we have a voice and a mediator and advocate in Jesus Christ though whom we may make our concerns and felt needs known to God although scripture tells that such matters are already known to Him. With the Holy Spirit working within us, our task and duty is to listen to the command and obey.

 

In 2 Corinthians (13v11) Paul signs off his letter: “Finally brethren, farewell, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you”