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; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. (1 Peter 5:2-3)
Whatever we find ourselves doing, and no matter where we find ourselves in life and work, there are people and things that are entrusted to each one of us. As parents, our children are entrusted to us. As workers, specific responsibilities are entrusted to us. Sometimes we find ourselves in a position of leadership overseeing others in the workplace, or programs to benefit others. We find ourselves in places where people and things are entrusted to us.
Regardless the level or the role, there is responsibility to those people or things entrusted to our care. In the verses above, Christian leaders are exhorted to be shepherds of the flock under their care. Those in positions of Spiritual Leadership are to take a personal interest in the well-being of those in their care. They are to make sure the basics are covered. Churches, especially now, are to help those in their flock who may be struggling with the basics of life: food and drink, clothing and shelter.
Beyond the basics, the shepherd is to keep an eye on the horizon for new feeding grounds. This may be literal or spiritual. The literal has to do with the physical well-being, the resources available that benefit others. The spiritual has to do with the spiritual growth and development of those entrusted to thier care. The flock should recognize the Shepherd’s voice, and follow.
The Shepherd, or leader in this case, is to not only watch over, take a personal interest in, make sure the basics are covered, and be on the look out for new feeding grounds, but s/he is to both serve the flock and be an example to the flock. So that others might benefit and that they might follow. Imitate. Go and do likewise. Pay it forward.
Jesus is our great Shepherd. He is our example. Our pastors and leaders are to follow His lead. We are called to follow as well.
All of us have something or someone entrusted to us. May we lead with honor, serve with dignity, and look out for the well-being of those entrusted to each one of us willingly.
Selah.
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