1 Peter 5:2-4 (NIV)
"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, not lording it over those entrusted to you, by being examples to the flock."
"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, not lording it over those entrusted to you, by being examples to the flock."
You're a leader. You're now leading the pack of believers and directing them to be more intimate with the Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ. But how will you, as a shepherd, lead the flock entrusted by God if you're suddenly lost of the way? How will you get back on track? Allow me to share with you these sweet revelations from the Holy Spirit.
The shepherd's primary responsibility is the safety and welfare of the flock. They guard the flock from predators. In Biblical times, the Middle Eastern shepherd's job was dangerous and dirty. Many times they had to fight wild animals and their lives were really put on the line. At night, the shepherd would put up a makeshift pen with one way in and out. The sheep, on the other hand, would only follow and listen to the voice of their shepherd.
So let's go back now to our question. What happens if the shepherd who's supposedly leading the flock suddenly gets lost? Same as a writer, who unexpectedly, is unable to think what to write or how to proceed with his/her writing a.k.a writer's block. Or a dancer who suddenly couldn't choreographed a single routine. HOW WILL YOU PROCEED?
Few things:
1. You can't live a life of purpose if you're living a sinful life.
Ouch but true. A leader gets lost in his/her Christian journey because of sins. Sin MUST NOT be your master (Romans 6:14). As a leader, you shall not be 'displaying' a holy life, but you must live it out as well and be a great example to the flock. You must be able to determine who is your master in your private & public lives and live in a way that pleases God.
2. God cannot work in a dirty vessel -- so repent.
Repentance before restoration. True repentance happens when we see sin as God sees sin. Let those who love the Lord hate evil (Psalm 97:10). Repentance is an honest, regretful acknowledgement of sin with commitment to change.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for Your forgiveness. Thank You for not abandoning us, but for reaching out instead to bring us home. Help us Lord to live a life that is pleasing in Your sight. Help us to lead Your flock with integrity, faithfulness, and excellence. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
So let's go back now to our question. What happens if the shepherd who's supposedly leading the flock suddenly gets lost? Same as a writer, who unexpectedly, is unable to think what to write or how to proceed with his/her writing a.k.a writer's block. Or a dancer who suddenly couldn't choreographed a single routine. HOW WILL YOU PROCEED?
Few things:
1. You can't live a life of purpose if you're living a sinful life.
Ouch but true. A leader gets lost in his/her Christian journey because of sins. Sin MUST NOT be your master (Romans 6:14). As a leader, you shall not be 'displaying' a holy life, but you must live it out as well and be a great example to the flock. You must be able to determine who is your master in your private & public lives and live in a way that pleases God.
2. God cannot work in a dirty vessel -- so repent.
Repentance before restoration. True repentance happens when we see sin as God sees sin. Let those who love the Lord hate evil (Psalm 97:10). Repentance is an honest, regretful acknowledgement of sin with commitment to change.
Charles Spurgeon
Repentance is a discovery of the evil of sin, a mourning that we have committed it, a resolution to forsake it. It is, in fact, a change of mind of a very deep and practical character, which makes the man love what once he hated, and hate what once he loved.
3. Focus on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith
Hebrews 12:2 says "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God". Fixing our eyes on Jesus will block out all distractions in life. God knows the very condition of our hearts. Be humble and honest to God and acknowledge that we need His help on this area, actually in all areas of our lives. Joshua won all his battles because the Lord was with him. His obedience to God was exemplary.
Remember that no matter, how anointed, how talented, and how able we are, apart from the Lord, we are nothing. After all, this is His ministry, they are His flock, not ours.
3. Focus on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith
Hebrews 12:2 says "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God". Fixing our eyes on Jesus will block out all distractions in life. God knows the very condition of our hearts. Be humble and honest to God and acknowledge that we need His help on this area, actually in all areas of our lives. Joshua won all his battles because the Lord was with him. His obedience to God was exemplary.
Remember that no matter, how anointed, how talented, and how able we are, apart from the Lord, we are nothing. After all, this is His ministry, they are His flock, not ours.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for Your forgiveness. Thank You for not abandoning us, but for reaching out instead to bring us home. Help us Lord to live a life that is pleasing in Your sight. Help us to lead Your flock with integrity, faithfulness, and excellence. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment