Shepherds Over God's Flock

Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers... Acts 20:28 (NIV)

If you serve in a position of authority or influence, it may be because you have been asked to fill a role, or you may have been reluctantly placed there as a result of necessity, but more than likely, you are there because you are uniquely designed by God to be a mother, teacher, encourager, pastor, worship leader, ministry coordinators, etc. and have consequently chosen to take on that role. This is no small task and should not be taken lightly. Whether you lead your family, a ministry, a small group or a church, you are an overseer of God’s flock and you have chosen and have been chosen for a high calling. First Timothy says, …If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Webster defines ‘noble’ as “having eminence” and “showing high moral qualities or greatness of character.” As an overseer of God’s flock, you must seek to demonstrate greatness of character in everything you do.

Since the responsibility of an overseer is a divine appointment, there ought to be the heartfelt desire of Christian leaders to bring glory to God first through his service to others. There are many who satisfy the awesome responsibility while honoring God and their calling. Yet, there are many who simply fill the role of an overseer, without fulfilling the moral obligation that goes with it.

First Peter 5:2 says, Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care… A shepherd knows his sheep. He leads them, shelters them, feeds them, protects them, seeks them, brings them back when they wander off, encourages them, and sets an example for them. (John 10:1-6) First Peter 5:3 says we should be shepherds, —not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. How shall we be examples to the flock? We must demonstrate the greatness of character that proves us to be “above reproach”. (See 1 Timothy 3:1-14.)

The Bible says that as leaders, we must give an account (Hebrews 13:17) for how we shepherd God’s flock. Do you know your sheep? Are you caring for them, protecting them? Do you feed them, nourish them? Are you setting a Christ like example? As you choose to live your divine calling as a shepherd over God’s flock with integrity and a servant’s spirit, you will not only demonstrate the greatness of character that your noble task requires, but you will bring honor and glory to God as well.

© 2009 by Stephanie French