The 2nd Amendment is constantly under attack. A fierce debate continuously surrounds the issue of gun rights. The pro-gun folks are quick to point out that the right to bear arms is a right that shall not be infringed.

I wholeheartedly believe that. So when I leave my house, I carry my gun. And when Sunday rolls around, I will have it on my person. I am called to be a protector. I’m a sheepdog, thus I am ever vigilant on behalf of others. I am NOT a “gun fanatic.” I simply understand my calling to protect. It is love for my neighbor that drives me to arm myself.

But I am more than a protector. I am a follower of Jesus, a disciple of Him who died for me. I am determined to follow Him and to do what He tells me to do.

So, because of that, I not only carry a gun: I also carry a towel.

I have a Gun on my Hip, but I have God in my Heart.

Because I am a Protector, I carry a gun. Because I am a sheepdog who loves Jesus, I carry a towel.

I am not only prepared to use force against someone who would murder the innocent: I am also prepared to use my towel, with which I am willing - and eager - to wash feet.

I am not just a “shooter” - I am also a “servant.”

This is what distinguishes the “Sheepdog” from the “Christian Sheepdog.” Those who love Jesus are called to have a higher allegiance to Him and His word. And though I have the “right to bear arms,” I also have the calling to serve others - to wash feet.

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”

I am a firm believer in the 2nd Amendment, but I have a stronger commitment to the 2nd Commandment. The 2nd Amendment gives me the right to carry: the 2nd Commandment gives me the responsibility to love others.

Thus, if I serve on the church safety team, I understand the need to not only protect the innocent - but also to serve.

This is a truth that the Christian Sheepdog must not dismiss.

Being a Christian Sheepdog separates me from the average gun-carrying citizen. The Christian Sheepdog has a different worldview than the non-Christian. And it shows up in his actions.

For instance, on Sunday morning I don’t stand off in the corner, arms folded, wearing sunglasses, acting as if I’m some kind of Secret Service agent. No, that’s not me.

Instead, I take heed to the 2nd Commandment - and put it into practice. I do that by fully engaging others as they enter the house of worship.

I’m greeting folks as they enter.
I’m the one with a hand extended, welcoming all who enter the house.
I’m the one with a smile on my face, caused by the joy in my heart.
I’m the one who parks cars when it’s raining, so others can stay dry.

I am eager, even bursting at the seams, to serve others. I am FULLY ARMED, and my towel … is cocked and ready to go!

The Christian Sheepdog needs to understand what I call the P.O.T. FACTOR.

POT stands for Power of Touch. The more you understand about the power of the handshake, or a hug (when appropriate) the more often you will put it into practice.

Jesus certainly understood its power. Time and again He “touched” folks and their lives were better because He did.

NOW…CATCH THIS…

As a Christian Sheepdog serving at your church, “safety” is a primary concern of yours. After all, that’s why you’re there.

Did you know that “touch” actually communicates “safety?” There are studies showing that touch signals safety and trust, it soothes. Basic warm touch calms cardiovascular stress. Thus, a loving touch from you may soothe and calm the ones who come to your church.

Think about what this means for you and your church…

People are worried about active shooters, even those who attend church. It is a concern that just about everyone has. But you, the Christian Sheepdog, have the power to “soothe and calm” those who bring this fear into a house of worship. It’s a scientific fact.

Tiffany Field is the head of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine.

She made a trip to Romania where she visited an orphanage. She discovered that the kids who do not receive many touches (affection) suffered from “deprivation and all kinds of developmental delays.” She noticed that they were “half their expected height and weight for their age.”

Thousands of people come to church every week stressed out and depressed. There are many reasons for this. This provides you, the Christian Sheepdog, the opportunity to make use of the Power of Touch.

CONSIDER THIS: about 20 percent of the people in YOUR church are survivors of sexual abuse. Every Sunday, they bring that pain with them, though perhaps they bury it long enough to get through the service. You, the Christian Sheepdog, can help them. How? By the Power of Touch.

"I think parents need to be touching their kids as much as they can because kids aren’t getting it at school. And when they’re with their peers, they’re also on their phones. I think certainly kids today are much more touch-deprived than they were before smartphones. So I think parents have to make a special effort to provide as much touch as they can."

Tiffany Field (head of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine).

Other research has shown that “hugging and other forms of nonsexual touching cause your brain to release oxytocin, known as the ‘bonding hormone.’ This stimulates the release of other feel-good hormones, such as dopamine and serotonin, while reducing stress hormones, such as cortisol and norepinephrine. These neurochemical changes make you feel happier and less stressed.”

My oh my, dear Christian Sheepdog. Consider how VALUABLE you are every Sunday, wearing your gun (or not), and carrying your towel!

When I was a police officer I understood the power of a touch, and when appropriate, I made use of this wonderful, holy weapon. I recall one night dealing with an elderly woman who was sick. She was shaking with terror. I knelt down beside her and asked, “Ma’am, would you like to hold my hand?”

“Yes,” she replied, in a voice of desperation. I then extended my hand and she grabbed it, holding it tightly. Soothe and calm then broke out on the scene. It was a beautiful experience.

As followers of Jesus, we have been commissioned to heal. And Jesus made it clear as to how we are to do this: “…they (that’s you and me) will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well” (Mark 16). Yes, it is by the use of your hands that you soothe and calm people.

Pause for a moment and stare at your hands - right now! Do it.

Stare at them in awe and wonder.

And then consider the fact that those hands you’re gazing upon possess a power that can potentially change the entire atmosphere of your house of worship: creating one that soothes the sinner and straightens out the saint!

Lastly, permit me to address those sheepdogs whose hearts may be too broken to think about serving. Maybe you are weighed down with burdens that are producing unbearable pain, and the idea of serving others just does not appeal to you at this time. I totally sympathize.

Just a few weeks ago my oldest child, Cara, died. She passed away right in front of me. I confess: I AM SHATTERED. Several times a day I break out in tears, unable to squash my hurt. It is tempting to “toss in the towel,” not use it to wash feet.

But I can’t. Too many people are counting on me. The world needs me - AS IT DOES YOU. And though my heart is deeply fragmented, I know that the grace of God, as well as the use of the towel, will help to reduce the pain. I pray you will do likewise.

Jesus was heartbroken when He heard that His cousin John the Baptist had died. Matthew 14 tells us He sought to get away, but the crowds hunted Him down. Rather than push them away, however, and spend time alone, Matthew 14:14 tells us He, “…had compassion on them and healed their sick.”

And so must we.

LEARN ABOUT OUR NEWEST SEMINAR; HEART FOR THE CITY. WE STILL CONDUCT SAFETY SEMINARS FOR CHURCHES, BUT THIS IS A NEW ONE. CLICK HERE