A pastor's daughter wrote that she was grateful social media couldn't define her — that she could embrace her difference "as God intended." A settled identity has nothing to defend. So why are we, as believers, so quick to draw the sword in God's name? Like Peter in the garden, we strike to protect a Lord who never asked for it, and then watch Jesus heal the very person we wounded. John 10 draws a hard line: the thief takes life, the Shepherd gives His. This week's devotion asks the uncomfortable question.  In how we treat the people we disagree with, do we look like the Shepherd, or the thief doing his work in God's name? 

We all have moments in our lives where we are challenged to be something we believe we are not.  Furthermore, we may have moments where we push for individuals to live up to the morals and principles we most value.  Today's devotion is a fresh new look on how we can be Christ-like in shepherding others and ourselves to a better path.

Have you ever had someone who you could hear their voice amongst the crowd? My father was someone who I could hear no matter how he talked. A friend remarked in amazement when I heard my Dad call me from the other end of the household. It was a sign not only of keen listening but also respect for who he was. There is another voice we can hear no matter where we are. We just have to listen to Him. It’s a wonderful thing, and that’s what today’s devotion is about …