DAILY READINGS: Deuteronomy 4; Ecclesiastes 5-6; Luke 7:30-50
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. 1 Peter 5:2
Here are some qualities that should mark every genuine shepherd. He shouldn’t succumb to outward pressure, but an inward desire. Nor should he be eager for earnings, but eager for serving. He shouldn’t lord it over God’s people but lead them onward. The ready-minded shepherd is forward in spirit, literally, one who is “standing before”. When a local flock is led by shepherds who genuinely exhibit these qualities, they are in good hands! May we all be ready to lead by being ready to serve. —Craig Funston
Brother, sister, let me serve you, let me be as Christ to you;
Pray that I may have the grace, to let you be my servant too. —R. Gillard