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Institute in Basic Life Principles

Command 46 : Feed My Sheep | Day 319

Seek to Be a Qualified Shepherd!

The rebellion was well planned and widespread: the entire nation, three religious leaders, and 250 famous princes against the two shepherds whom God had appointed—Moses and Aaron.

In response to the rebellion, God acted supernaturally. First, He opened up the ground and swallowed the three rebels and all the princes who followed them. Then, He sent a plague that killed 14,700 people. (See Numbers 16.) These signs proved to the children of Israel that God had sent Moses to be their shepherd. (See Numbers 16:28.) Later, God established Aaron's leadership in the eyes of the people by causing Aaron's rod to bud, blossom, and bring forth fruit. (See Numbers 17:6-8.)

Throughout history God has called and confirmed those who are to be His spiritual leaders.

A spiritual shepherd must sense God's call on his life to fulfill this duty. Also, it should be evident that God is working in and through him. The ability to lead others to Christ would be essential. Through the church, his teachings, and his epistles, Paul discipled those whom he had led to Christ in Corinth.

A shepherd must be gentle and patient. (See II Timothy 2:24.) Caring for sheep requires giving time and attention to each one's needs. A shepherd must be an example to the flock, not an overlord of them. This means that although he is not sinless, he is to be “... blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; not given to wine, no striker ...” (I Timothy 3:2-3).

A shepherd must have the ability to bring those with differing viewpoints to a common understanding. Paul was grieved by reports of divisions among the believers in Corinth and wrote these words to them: “For there must be also heresies [factions] among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you” (I Corinthians 11:19). A shepherd must first unite any factions in his own family. He must be “one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)” (I Timothy 3:4-5). This would also require that he and his wife have a loving relationship.

A shepherd must not be a novice, “... lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil” (I Timothy 3:6). He must have experience in living out the commands of Christ so that he can lead others over the same "ground" he has covered.

When we realize that the flock we look after is not ours, but God's, we will be more concerned for their good than our gain.

Being a spiritual shepherd is a serious responsibility. The lives of others are shaped by what he teaches and how he leads. Any motives of personal gain will be detected and despised by those under his care. A shepherd must not be greedy of gain or working for "filthy lucre” (see I Peter 5:2) but instead have a passion for God's sheep and be willing to make sacrifices for their good.

God's qualifications for spiritual leaders in His Church provide important goals for each of us to strive for, because “if a man desire the office of a bishop [overseer], he desireth a good work" (I Timothy 3:1).

“Simon ... lovest thou me more than these? ... Feed my lambs. ... Lovest thou me? ... Feed my sheep. ... Lovest thou me? ... Feed my sheep” (John 21:15-17).

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Contributing writer: Bill Gothard