ARE YOU SHEPHERDING WILLINGLY?

DAY 53/366

1 Peter 5:2 Shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but willingly according to God; and not for base gain but eagerly,

There are those who become leaders by virtue of situations, those who are forced to become leaders and those who enter the corridors of power motivated by other worldly passions such as the need to feel superior, have access to resources, wealth, fame etc. In the lives of such individuals, there will be glaring evidence of the drive behind their thirst and quest for power.

At the centre of St Peter’s charge to shepherds is the word “willingly” – the same connotation to giving that St Paul describes and free will as God offers us. It suggests an open disposition to make choices and decisions consistent with the offices we occupy.

Whenever men are thrown into depths of power and influence, unless they are motivated by a strong willingness to see a positive impact in the lives of those they shepherd, they are very likely to become masters of their own stomach.

With both Peter and Paul coming to the same conclusion that “true rewards come from actions done willingly” [1 Cor 9:17], excessive compulsion therefore becomes a disadvantage – both to the one compelling and the one being compelled. It often triggers rebellion and resistance, and for those who wield power, a motivation to abuse and misuse it.

As a shepherd of your home, colleagues, work, church or whatever you are entrusted with, there is much your willing cooperation can birth, and even much more your unwillingness can curtail. Regardless, you have the liberty to decide the disposition of your heart, but an unwilling shepherd is just a hireling.

#sly