The Heart of Shepherding
I shared this a couple years ago and was reminded of it recently. Something to always aspire to do and be well.
Shepherding - A good shepherd isn't one who looks good and has a great image - who wears the finest linens and rides the finest donkey. A good shepherd isn't one who can say, look at how many sheep I have, I must do shepherding well. A good shepherd isn't the one who can say, look at how well trained my sheep are, notice how orderly they behave. A good shepherd isn't one who makes the largest and most beautiful sheep pen.
Doesn't all of this sound foolish?
A good shepherd lays down their life for the sheep. A good shepherd leaves the 99 to find the 1. A good shepherd acts to protect the sheep from the wolves, thieves and robbers. A good shepherd knows their sheep. A good shepherd remains faithful to their task. (Jn 10:11-16, Acts 20:28).
To all my pastor friends out there, shepherd the flock well as an under-shepherd. Shepherd for God's Glory, our joy, and not man's approval.
2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve (1 Pet 5:2).