Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor David Okoye (Ambassadors Word Diet, 22nd NOV, 2017) - Shepherding the flocks

Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 1 Peter 5:2-4

It is important to read this scripture from the Amplified rendering.

Tend (nurture, guard, guide, and fold) the flock of God that is [your responsibility], not by coercion or constraint, but willingly; not dishonorably motivated by the advantages and profits [belonging to the office], but eagerly and cheerfully; Not domineering [as arrogant, dictatorial, and overbearing persons] over those in your charge, but being examples (patterns and models of Christian living) to the flock (the congregation). And [then] when the Chief Shepherd is revealed, you will win the [a]conqueror's crown of glory.

Dissect every one carefully, and see what God's idea is in leadership. Compare every quality of your service and see if it measures up to God's real idea. You've got to follow this carefully.

The sincerity of the Word of God you feed those in your care can be made insincere by the insincerity of your heart. 100% sincerity of your heart is necessary for the Word of God to be effective.

Sometimes in the house of God, a leader is assigned to a part of the work and nothing works. He does not get along with those under him and nobody gets along with him. In such situations, the leaders themselves often ask what the problem is.

But the question I have learned to ask is if someone else is sent to the same place (maybe a higher authority), will it ever work? If the answer is yes, then it tells you the problem started with the leader, not the led.


If you ever have the privilege of serving in any leadership capacity in the house of the Lord, 1 Peter 5:2-4 is your job description.

An employee's worst nightmare is an arrogant and overbearing boss. Sheep are very sensitive eaters and follow blindly and automatically. Feed or lead them the wrong way and they will die in your care.

DECLARATION
I lead like Jesus. I am not overbearing or arrogant. I am not a lord of God's people.

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCE

Acts 20:28