… not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
Summary: Peter wraps up his thoughts on being a shepherd with encouragement to serve humbly.
Peter has packed an amazing amount of wisdom and insight about shepherding into a few words. He began with an admonition to watch over those who are under your care. The next thing he mentions is attitude; don’t watch over people because you have to, do it because you want to. His third point is a warning about materialism. He calls this “dishonest gain.” Again he returns to attitude and encourages shepherds to be “eager to serve.” Finally, he comes to the topic of ego.
Ego may be the biggest temptation that faces anyone who becomes a shepherd. Watching over someone else assumes that we are like the shepherd is to the sheep. A shepherd has a greater understanding and more knowledge than sheep. Likewise, the shepherd of God’s flock is expected to have more knowledge and understanding than most. More importantly, the shepherd is expected to be in close communication with the Overseer, Jesus.
In my ideal world, each believer would be on an equal footing before God, and technically that is true. But we do not all have the same gifts or skill sets. Neither do we have the same maturity in our relationships with God. Some are young physically, while others are young in the faith. Both need guidance as they grow in their walk with the Lord.
When God places us in a position to watch over another believer, the Deceiver is ready. Satan whispers in our ear as he whispered to Eve in the Garden of Eden. He hints that we are in a position of watching over someone not because we serve God but because we deserve the position. Satan wants us to believe that we are better than others, and that is why we are in charge.
The one who believes these lies falls into a trap. Jesus speaks to this situation when he says:
“But suppose the servant says to himself, ‘My master is taking a long time in coming,’ and he then begins to beat the other servants, both men, and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.” (Luke 12: 45-46)
Peter ends this passage with an admonition to be an example to the flock. I suggest that anyone who is a shepherd is an example to the flock. What Peter wants to see is an example of Godly behavior. What he is warning us against is being an example of how not to do it.
Application: Be a good example. An example of watchfulness, willingness, eagerness to serve, and faithfulness to God.
Food for Thought: How does the flock respond to a good example? How about a bad one?
A flock can mimic good or bad.
Tim,
Concise and accurate! Thank you!
After reading today’s “Food for Thought,” the first two words that came to mind for me were ‘integrity’ and ‘hypocrisy.’ With integrity, we are the same person in all circumstances, whether we are the shepherd or part of the flock. I would like to believe that a flock would respond well under a shepherd who serves and guides the flock with integrity and their well-being in mind. The shepherd is setting the example of what is expected of the flock and it is easier to follow a good example than following someone setting a bad example. The shepherd brings order and teaches the flock the way in which they should go.
Mark 6:34: “Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.”
A flock being shepherd by someone setting a bad example (or maybe being a hypocrite – do as I say, not as I do), could lead to chaos and disassembly of the flock. Those within the flock may stop listening to the shepherd and start setting their own ways and rules thereby creating confusion amongst the others and eventually, the flock will stop following the shepherd and break off into their own flocks. They will not survive because they will start to wander and without tools and knowledge that a good shepherd brings, they will eventually succumb to death.
Acts 20:28-29: “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock”
Darla,
Thank you for sharing your insights, wisdom and some great verses! I appreciate your definition of ‘integrity.’ That is something I value highly.
Thank you Tim and Darla. Darla – I appreciate the verses you share and the reminder of what is at stake. Tim – I absolutely agree that the flock will tend to imitate the Shepherd for good or for bad.
Jeremiah 23: 1 – 8 is a reminder of the difference between a good shepherd and a bad one. It is also a reminder that the Lord is the best shepherd of all. He can overcome the damage done by flawed people and can bring His people where they need to be.
Rich,
Thank you for the reminder that our church is really His church! Jesus lives, and because of that we can know that his church lives.
How does the flock respond to a good example? How about a bad one?
Every leader has a flock:
While in the military I was promoted to corporal, first level of leadership and sent to the NCO Academy where the Marines teach servant leadership, to those wanting to give orders.You learn you are going to serve your men, and treat them as you would want to be treated, not shout orders at them. During training you look for areas to improve and coach each man as required, Before going on patrol you tell your men what you are going to, how to equip themselves, and inspect to verify their compliance. During the patrol you watch over each man, are they sweating properly, pass out salt tablets, make sure they are drinking proper amounts of water, and whenever you can, check their feet for blisters. The list goes on. “These men responded without having to be told.”
Luke 6:31, “Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.”
Matthew 20:26, “But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.”
After discharge, I went to work as a base labor heavy for a local manufacturing company with international distribution, After a year I was promoted into supervision, I remember My first day as a supervisor in my boss’s office. He held up a pencil and said, from now on you will not do enough work to pay for this pencil, the people making money so we survive are those you will be supervising. Watch over them, take care of them, and help them do their job. I knew something about this.
“ I had to go through the plant during break because many times, those working on high priority jobs would often work through their break.”
Luke 6:31, “Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.”
Matthew 20:26, “But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.”
My point is, every successful orginazion I have had the pleasure of being a part of, whether they knew it or not, has been managed according to Biblical Principles. And if they did not have them when I came, they did before I left.
Gods principles for life and our interactions with others are given to us as a blessing, for our success. Whether in the military, private industry, bible study, church, or family. Do as our God says and all will be blessed.
If we want to see the results of a bad example, simply turn on the National news. We all see where this world is going because they are choosing to follow a bad example. In my opinion, they have chaos and insanity in common.
Matthew 6:33, But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.
Ron,
I love reading your stories about servant leadership. Sadly, such leadership has been rare in my own experience. I hope that others find it more plentiful.
Jeff,
When I accepted Christ and spent time in bible study, I found out where these great leadership skills came from. They used Gods principles but didn’t tell anybody. Jesus Christ is the greatest Servant Leader ever known.
👍🏻