"Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—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. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away."
~ 1 Peter 5:2-4 (NIV)
Today's exhortation urges me to remember why in the first place I'm serving in the ministries. Being a shepherd is essentially being a role model, a consistent example of Godliness. Not because out of compulsion or duty, but because of the willingness of heart to partake of God's work of bringing people to a right relationship with Him and building them up towards full maturity in Christ.
There are 2 noteworthy quotes that I learnt today.
"The devil climbs over the fence where it is the lowest"
~ Martin Luther
What a simple but powerful reminder of how easy it is to be giving in to the devil's attack, to be caught unprepared. This statement specifically calls for the attention towards our specific weaknesses, which demand our utter dependence on God to manifest his power through our weaknesses.
"Where God builds a cathedral, there Satan builds a chapel"
~ Martin Luther
This is no small reminder that wherever God is at work, satan is also prowling and waiting to devour, seizing every opportunity that is available and unguarded.
"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen."
~ 1 Peter 5:10-11 (NIV)
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