Last week we had a guest speaker at my church and he mentioned on how we do not want to be a goat.
Now, I knew the context he was going for, however, maybe being a gymnast mom made me pause because my mind immediately thought of Simone Biles who is generally called a goat. Then there’s Tom Brady – same thing.
Am I the only one that thinks of those incredible athletes when you hear the word goat?
In today’s culture, being called the G.O.A.T.—the Greatest of All Time—is the ultimate compliment. It’s almost a title of prestige now. The best of your field. The greatest ever. But in the Kingdom of God, greatness looks very different.
Goats in Scripture often symbolize independence, rebellion, and self-reliance. They’re known for going their own way, climbing to the top, and doing things on their own terms. Sound familiar?
In Matthew 25:31–33, Jesus speaks of a final judgment where He separates the sheep from the goats. The sheep are placed on His right—the place of honor—while the goats are placed on His left. The distinction? The sheep lived lives of compassion, obedience, and relationship with the Shepherd. The goats did not.
In a world that celebrates the G.O.A.T., Jesus is looking for sheep.
Sheep aren’t flashy. They don’t seek the spotlight. But they do something far more powerful: they follow.
John 10:27 – “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
Psalm 23:1 – “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
Sheep trust the Shepherd. They rely on His guidance, His protection, and His provision. They don’t need to be the greatest—they just need to be His.
Ironically, the only one who truly deserves the title of G.O.A.T. is Jesus Himself. He is the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep (John 10:11). His greatness isn’t measured by worldly success, but by sacrificial love, servant leadership, and eternal victory.
He doesn’t call us to be the greatest in the world’s eyes. He calls us to follow Him, to live lives marked by humility, grace, and obedience.
In a culture chasing greatness, Jesus invites us to something deeper: relationship. He’s not looking for self-made stars—He’s looking for surrendered hearts.
So the question is: Are we striving to be the G.O.A.T., or are we choosing to be His sheep?
Let’s tune our ears to the Shepherd’s voice. Let’s follow where He leads. Because in His flock, we find purpose, peace, and the true meaning of greatness.
angelaschmeling 
One response to “Goats VS Sheep”
Dear God, help me to follow You as the Good Shepherd and not go off on my own rebellious , self-seeking way, like a goat, when I don’t even know what’s best for me
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