1 Peter 5:2-3
“You don’t have to, you get to.” My husband reminds me of this often! Sometimes we have to remember things we don't want to do are actually privileges given to us by God. I’m a very task-oriented person. I’m also very independent. I would rather work alone than as a team. Loving others and going out of my way for people has been something I've had to work on. I am not a people person! Yet, I am reminded through God's word (and my husband) that as Christians we must be known for our love. Being independent isn’t an option for the followers of Jesus. Our life is about others. There’s a song by King & Country called, “By our love.” The main chorus of the song says, “They will know we are Christians by our love.”
In these few verses we are reminded specifically of how a shepherd (pastor) is to love the flock (church). It says, “watching over them - not because you must, but because you are willing”. Pastors don't HAVE to do this; they GET to do this. The motives must be right. Leading and loving his people is tasking, draining, and at times discouraging but he is to serve and love them. A good pastor will watch over his sheep and do everything he can to keep them in the “fold”, away from wandering. A good pastor will serve alongside his people; he is not above them in reputation. We also see the characteristics NOT to have. A shepherd must not be a dominator, selfish, or dishonest. The same could be said for a good leader or king! A good leader cares for his people, works as a team, and is humble. Throughout this series, we have/will learn the repercussions of leaders who did not lead with love but rather with selfishness, pride, and arrogance…damaging people in their path. We would be wise to learn from their mistakes. Treating people with kindness and respect isn’t just for leaders by the way. It’s for everyone who is a child of God. When people think of you, what comes to mind? Selfish? Dishonest? Rude? Or like the song, will we be known by our love?
In these few verses we are reminded specifically of how a shepherd (pastor) is to love the flock (church). It says, “watching over them - not because you must, but because you are willing”. Pastors don't HAVE to do this; they GET to do this. The motives must be right. Leading and loving his people is tasking, draining, and at times discouraging but he is to serve and love them. A good pastor will watch over his sheep and do everything he can to keep them in the “fold”, away from wandering. A good pastor will serve alongside his people; he is not above them in reputation. We also see the characteristics NOT to have. A shepherd must not be a dominator, selfish, or dishonest. The same could be said for a good leader or king! A good leader cares for his people, works as a team, and is humble. Throughout this series, we have/will learn the repercussions of leaders who did not lead with love but rather with selfishness, pride, and arrogance…damaging people in their path. We would be wise to learn from their mistakes. Treating people with kindness and respect isn’t just for leaders by the way. It’s for everyone who is a child of God. When people think of you, what comes to mind? Selfish? Dishonest? Rude? Or like the song, will we be known by our love?
Posted in Devotional