THE WILLING SERVANT LEADER
I Peter 5:2-4
"Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion, but willingly, not for dishonest gain, but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away."
For many years, I did not understand the role of the shepherd as a "servant leader." I thought it was my job to make the sheep do or be what I thought they should. I now understand that I can't make anyone do anything. I can only lead, and it is the sheep's choice whether they follow or not. The shepherd does not drive the sheep; he leads them. He is not a dictator but shows the path by his own walk. His motivation is not how much he can gain from the sheep, but how much he can bless them. His reward is not in this world but in heaven. But here's the clincher. Each of us is entrusted with people we are to shepherd, whether as a church pastor, as a parent in a family, or leader of a study group. These sheep are not given to me to bless me, but for me to bless them. To be a shepherd is a great joy but also a great responsibility.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: A shepherd does not drive the sheep but leads them into green pastures.
[end]
Have a "willing" day. Love you.
I Peter 5:2-4
"Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion, but willingly, not for dishonest gain, but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away."
For many years, I did not understand the role of the shepherd as a "servant leader." I thought it was my job to make the sheep do or be what I thought they should. I now understand that I can't make anyone do anything. I can only lead, and it is the sheep's choice whether they follow or not. The shepherd does not drive the sheep; he leads them. He is not a dictator but shows the path by his own walk. His motivation is not how much he can gain from the sheep, but how much he can bless them. His reward is not in this world but in heaven. But here's the clincher. Each of us is entrusted with people we are to shepherd, whether as a church pastor, as a parent in a family, or leader of a study group. These sheep are not given to me to bless me, but for me to bless them. To be a shepherd is a great joy but also a great responsibility.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: A shepherd does not drive the sheep but leads them into green pastures.
[end]
Have a "willing" day. Love you.
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