SPIRITUAL SHEPHERDS (Shepherds 1)
It is a great privilege to be used by God to minister to others (1 Timothy 3:1). God says He will bless and reward those who faithfully serve (Luke 12:37). We all want to hear Him say: “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 5:21-23) When we come to the end of our lives, we want to be able to say what Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:7-8 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” I’m sure you want to be able to say that as well.
In order for that to happen, we must be the pastor or leader He wants us to be. De describes what that is by calling us “shepherds” (Acts 20:28). The word “ “shepherd” means “pastor”. A pastor is a shepherd. All who minister to others, whether as a pastor, teacher, parent or other leader are shepherds.
How do you know if God wants you to be a pastor or leader? The call to shepherd God’s people comes from God Himself. The Bible says He chose us for salvation even before He created the world (Ephesians 1:3). At the same time He also chose us to have the privilege of serving Him and His people. God puts a desire in our hearts to pastor, evangelize or serve Him in whatever way He chooses. He gives us a burden to see people come to know Him, then shepherd them to help them grow spiritually. God gives us a love for people and a commitment to help them come to Him and live for Him. The desire can be quite strong, as Paul said, “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16). As the sheep know the shepherd cares for them, they will begin to respond and look to him for leadership, guidance and direction.
Being a good pastor requires more than a God-given desire. It takes skill and ability to carry out our duties. At the moment of salvation God gives us many blessings and privileges. This includes a unique set of spiritual gifts we need to serve Him. These gifts are tools the Holy Spirit uses to enable us to have the wisdom and skills necessary to care for His people. Each believer has a unique set of spiritual gifts. The current gifts God gives include evangelism, teaching the Bible, serving others, hospitality, helping others, administration and other ways of helping others in their Christian life. In addition, those called to pastor are given the gift of shepherding so they can lead and care for others. This gift includes the desire and ability to lead and guide God’s people to maturity in their faith.
1 Peter 5:2-4 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, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
When did God put a desire in your heart to serve Him? Who are the sheep God has given you to protect and train? In what ways are you like a shepherd of sheep? How is God helping you to do this? What does He want you to do to be a faithful shepherd?
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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