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. I Peter 5:2-4
Before I begin, let me say that I feel completely unworthy of the high calling to be a pastor. I have sinned and my sins are ever in my mind. What is amazing to me is that the Lord calls sinners to be pastors and teachers. Someday, when I am before Him, I hope to know more.
Isn’t it wonderful that the Lord calls men to minister that aren’t perfect? The Lord called a man who was highly educated, a zealot, and even a persecutor. His testimony led to the imprisonment and perhaps to the death of believers. That man is the Apostle Paul. The Lord called a man who could be brilliant one moment and chaotic the next. He was a powerful speaker and yet easily swayed to do wrong. He was the Apostle Peter. The Lord even called many men who had opportunity to be with Him after the resurrection, but still doubted within themselves. Of course, I speak of all the apostles.
Being a preacher doesn’t make a man pure and holy. Sometimes, we say something that isn’t right. Often our thinking and messages are not perfect. Still, God calls a man to be a preacher. God calls men to be pastors. More importantly, a pastor should be a shining example of Lord. Once again, the apostle, Paul said, “Be ye followers of me, even as I am of Christ. (1 Cor. 11:1) Paul did not ask for blind following. He was clear in what he said. To explain it, as long as I am following the Lord, follow me. This is not only for examples sake, but for order’s sake. Paul did not ask for blind loyalty, but conditioned what he stated by stating, look to the scriptures and see if I truly am following after Jesus.
I am not the chief shepherd, but I have a great responsibility to perform His Will. I am to be an example to the flock till the Lord returns for us. I should not just teach living for Christ, but live it by example. This is a great responsibility and requirement. When I fail, I repent. When I have hurt others, I seek forgiveness. I thank the Lord for those who constantly pray and show love to me. Someday, I will give an account to the Chief Shepherd. I pray I am worthy of the moment.
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