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Feed My Sheep

Feed My Sheep

Words of Faith 2-19-2020

Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2020

Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com

Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL

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1 Peter 5

        To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: [2] Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers -

not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; [3] not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. [4] And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

 

          This one is addressed to shepherds‑‑ elders, leaders, pastors. But really, it is for all of us.  Peter was addressing those called and responsible for caring for the flock.  Peter had a unique understanding of this because he was charged so vigorously by our Lord: Simon, do you truly love me?  Feed my sheep.  Tend my lambs.

          So, how are we to live in leadership? As leaders?  Are we to live a life that mirrors corporate America?  The higher we climb, the more money we make, the more power we acquire, the more arrogant we become?  We must be careful with such a path. For those who lead, Job One is to shepherd the flock. 

         When we are called to accountability, the Chief Shepherd won't be asking how much you expanded your market share, or how clever your latest national initiative was. The focus will not be on the success of our slick campaigns. The Chief Shepherd will be asking us about sheep.  Specific sheep.  Sheep that He knows by name.  How are they?  Where are they?  Were they cared for?  Were they protected?  Were they well-fed?

         We must remember, the church is not a business; it is a Body.  The church is not an organization; it is an organism.  The church is not a place of executives and bosses; it is a gathering filled with gifts and graces that feed sheep.  The church is not about profits at year-end. The bottom line for church is absolute sacrifice.  The church is not even about institutional survival since the Kingdom choice is always to give its life away.  The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.  

         Leadership in the church is not about becoming a sanctified CEO. It is about becoming a sacrificial servant.   Real ministry is not in lording over, or power trips, or authority games, or salary negotiations. Real ministry is close to the sheep.   

            So, shepherds, be a shepherd to the flock, not because you have to but because you desire to serve God.   Be an example to the flock, not a reflection of the culture.  And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

             One last question.  Are we all not shepherds of some small flock placed into our care?  Maybe just one?  Jesus says: Feed my sheep.

 

             Lord, give me a shepherd's heart.  Whether you call me to watch over one or thousands, give me the grace to feed Your sheep and tend Your lambs.  Help me to lead in such a way that I reflect Your character and not the ways of the world.  In Jesus' name.   Amen.

 

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The Words of Faith devotion is published five days a week by E-mail, and our website, and our church app, excluding Federal holidays. Please feel free to forward this devotion to a friend who might be blessed by this devotion. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is quoted from the New International Version (R) of The Holy Bible. Copyright (c) 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Words of Faith (c) 1997, 2010 Jeffrey D. Hoy. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to forward this copyrighted material or use portions of it with appropriate notation of the source for non-profit purposes.  

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