Lemmings and sheep

Lemmings, a small rodent, is used as a metaphor for blindly following others off a cliff—three myths concerning Lemmings.

Myth #1 – "Lemmings are spontaneously generated in the sky and then falling to earth like rain." This myth was developed in 17th century Norway due to the rodents' propensity to multiply quickly.

Myth #2 – "Lemmings explode if they become sufficiently angry." Lemmings do have anger issues that they take out on each other. The exploding myth probably developed from seeing carrion remains.

Myth #3 – "Instinct drives them to kill themselves whenever their population becomes unsustainably large." Overpopulation does result in a mass migration of a part of the rodent population, but not for mass extinction. A migrating population may try and cross a river, but it was not an attempt in genocide.

Suffice it to say; the last myth has earned lemmings the reputation as an animal with a weak will that will follow others off a cliff.

Sheep are entirely different.

They flock together but aren't packs. Wherever the leader goes, all the sheep will follow. It is a herding mechanism that provides defense in numbers. With the flock huddled together, individual sheep are hard for predators to single out. It also allows a herd to follow a trusted Shepherd.

They follow the leader. When one sheep moves, they all move, even if it doesn't seem to be a good idea. This behavior is closely tied to their flocking instinct.

They are social. When grazing, sheep need to see one another. It reduces stress and calms the herd.

Obviously, sheep and lemmings are different types of animals, but they have some similarities. They run in herds and packs, and they follow the leader even if it ends terribly. However, their differences are striking, Lemmings are angry fighters, and they tend to fight with each other. Sheep are docile and easily domesticated. 

Ever wonder why the church is likened to sheep and not Lemmings? Many churches look angry and fight against one another more than being docile and followers—at least in the American church. Sheep get a bad rap for being stubborn and dull. But the characteristics that make them the perfect image for the church is their community and faithfulness to their Shepherd. Jesus said, 

John 10:27 (ESV)

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

John 10:11 (ESV)

11 I am the good Shepherd. The good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Matthew 9:36 (ESV)

36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Unlike lemmings, who will devour each other and follow their leader to their deaths, sheep, because they are needy, love their community and listen to the Shepherd, whose job is to care for them. I am so blessed to be a part of a body of sheep who love and listen to their Shepherd. I'm just saying.