You The Shepherd

Scripture:

1 Peter 5:1-5 (ESV)

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Devotional:

Sometimes I find it amazing how much little kids can pick up.  Their brains are like sponges.  Kids soak up everything.  Think for a moment about some of the things your little tyke says or use to.  Have you ever heard a little child say something that is not appropriate?  Have you ever heard a little child repeat words, sometimes those words that shouldn’t be said?  Let’s face it, they heard you, or an adult say those things.  They soaked it up and remembered them.  Then at some later point in time they repeated the words.

Like it or not we are all influencers.  We continuously influence those around us.  They also influence us.  That is why it is important to surround yourself with the “right” crowd.  This is also why we need to heed Peter’s words.  How we act, what we say, what we do will impact someone else’s life.  Are you a positive influence?  Are you building the kingdom of God?  Will someone see Christ in you? 

We are shepherds and we have a flock.  What does your flock look like?  My flock has five kids in it.  It also has a group of adults scattered across the United States.  It is also a small group of men I meet with to Study God’s words.  There is also a small flock on Wednesday nights I am part of.  Sometimes I am the shepherd sometimes I am one of the sheep.  We teach and we learn.  You might not realize it at the time, but you do have an influence over others.  We have a family friend whose influence has given my son a love for guns.  I can watch my son cleaning his gun and taking care of it just like he was shown.  He learned how to shoot and care for a weapon by someone else.  My daughter has learned to bake from the teachings of my wife.  Each of my girls know how to play the piano thanks to the teachings of their piano teacher.  Pause a moment to reflect.  Think about those you are near.  What have you taught or passed on?  Are you even aware of it?

Mind what you say. Mind what you learn.  Be ever diligent because you never know what little eyes are watching.  You never know what little ears are listening…