Note: The following is an excerpt from my book, “Through the Eyes of a Shepherd” (copyright 2015 and 2017 Darla Noble)

“There are days when I do not want to go to the barn—days when the temperature is well below zero and the wind is howling. There are days I’d rather stay inside where it is cozy and dry—days it is raining so hard it hurts when it hits my skin and soaks through every layer of clothing before I even get to the barn. There are days when I can think of a hundred other things I would rather do than clean the lambing pens. But I do it anyway. I have to.”

“I do it because when John and I chose the field of agriculture (no pun intended), we made a commitment. We willingly made the commitment to tend and care for the sheep—no matter what. Being a shepherd isn’t a hobby. It’s not something I can do when I have a few minutes to spare or a rare leisurely afternoon. Being a shepherd is a way of life.”

The same is true for anyone who bears the name ‘Christian’. Being a Christian isn’t something you do. It is who you are. It is the standard by which we will all be judged when we stand before God.

Pray: Father, I long to be forever faithful. Help me. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.