Sure, I fit most of the profile – not smart enough to protect myself, know where I’m going, or even keep from eating myself into a coma. It’s by knowing my Shepherd’s voice and following it that all my needs get met.
Reading today’s entry, I was also struck by the leadership aspects of the analogy… In a church, the pastors and leaders are called to shepherd the people.
Without good leadership, trouble ensues…
The unity of the church crumbles as the people with strong opinions and strong personalities push their own agendas.
The vision for where the church is heading gets lost in the shuffle; as things dissolve into going-through-the-motions mode, people begin to leave – first, fringe people, then involved people, and finally, the core of the church.
There’s no challenge to serve. It becomes okay to sit and get fed, fed, fed, but because the substance never gets passed along to other hungry people, it no longer brings health and life.
I’ve thought of leadership as a personal thing, responding to a call, and a responsibility to do one’s best. I’ve known that it was for the health of the church, but it was awesome to have it broken down this way…
What’s my job, then? First, to hear and respond to the Shepherd’s voice, to stay close and cooperate. Second, to listen to and follow the pastor and leaders of my church, because it’s right, and because I will influence others. And third, to take my part in leading in whatever situation God puts me, with tender compassion and love.
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