Prime Directive

“So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?’ He said to him, ‘Yes Lord, You know that I love You.’ He said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’” John 21:15

In the imagined universe of Star Trek, the United Federation of Planets has one guiding principle: “There can be no interference with the internal development of alien civilizations”. This is known as the Prime Directive, and the series’ popularity made this term commonplace.

Now, I’m no Trekkie, but I can appreciate a good imagined universe. Here’s mine:

In my universe Christians are referred to as sheep because of their gentle and loyal nature. They aren’t territorial and they strongly prefer to stay close with the other sheep. In fact, they become stressed when they are separated from the flock. They are quick to follow a leader, believing he has their best interests at heart until he gives them a good reason to believe otherwise. Some perceive this as a lack of intelligence, but it is actually quite wise.

Sheep are abundant producers of wonderful commodities the world desperately needs, such as, wool and lanolin. They often make the ultimate sacrifice of death, giving their flesh for food and their skin for covering. The sheep who are the highest producers of wool don’t gather their friends to form a board and file 501c3 paperwork so they can herd the other sheep. No, they are content being sheep. They are happy to produce abundantly for the Master.

The shepherds are few compared to the number of sheep. They are very special servants whose job it is to furnish the sheep with everything they need to produce goods for the marketplace and make a profit for the Master. The shepherds defend the flock against predators. They lead the sheep to green pastures and still water. They do not fleece them for their own profit. The shepherds recognize they don’t produce the same commodities as the sheep, and their contribution lies in their care for the flock. The sheep understand the shepherds don’t produce wool and food and clothing. That’s the flock’s job.

The shepherds love the sheep because they understand the Master’s wealth is tied up in the flock. The shepherds love the Master, and for this reason they give their lives for the sheep, in life and sometimes in death.

In this imaginary universe, Christians don’t strive to become like sheep. The comparison rises organically because of the traits they share. To the extent possible they lead quiet, peaceable lives. They flee from evil, but if cornered they will not yield to a predator. They rely on the Master’s help. They protect their young.

John, that beloved apostle, recorded three times that the Lord asked Peter if he loved Him. Each time Jesus gave Peter a Prime Directive. Feed My sheep. Care for My flock. Feed My lambs.

It’s a great Prime Directive. One that can be appreciated by every shepherd, every single sheep, and every little lamb.

© Melissa Kay Simonds

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