"Cowboys and Shepherds"
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Have you ever thought about the difference between cowboys and shepherds? Both have a herd to move, but while cowboys "drive" cattle, shepherds "lead" their sheep. Both stay alert to dangers, but shepherds know their sheep in a way cowboys don't. The cowboy prods and hollers at cattle, while the shepherd's rod and staff bring comfort (Ps. 23:4). No wonder God describes himself as a shepherd!
We're Cross Training to develop our leadership, one of twelve marks of the Master we're working on this year. Leadership comes when we follow Jesus, live with meekness, let our lights shine, and shepherd those around us. So why is shepherding the Bible's defining picture of leadership?
What You Need to Know
God has long promised his people wise and compassionate leadership. Through Jeremiah, God said, "I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding" (Jer. 3:15). He rebuked "the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture" (Jer. 23:1). He declared: "I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be missing, declares the Lord" (Jer. 23:4).
And his promise finds fulfillment today, first in Christ (Micah 5:4-5; Matt. 2:6), and then in the shepherds Christ gives his church (Eph. 4:11-12). These men must meet specific qualifications (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9) as "shepherds" (1 Peter 5:2), also called "elders" (Acts 20:17) or "overseers" (Acts 20:28). As leaders, they keep "watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account" (Heb. 13:17).
But though you may not be a shepherd over God's church, chances are, someone in your life looks to you as a leader. And maybe shepherds have something to teach all of us about leading!
What You Need to Do
Take your leadership cues from Jesus — "the chief shepherd" (1 Peter 5:4), who exemplifies perfect leadership. If we want to lead well, we need to learn the attributes of "the good shepherd" (John 10:11). A shepherd must stay watchful and protect the flock (Acts 20:28). Shepherding requires both firmness and tenderness, both the rod that defends and the staff that corrects (Ps. 23:4). A good shepherd risks his life to fight off wolves (John 10:12) and to go find the wandering sheep (Matt. 18:12-14). Are you ready to serve those you lead with that kind of fierceness, gentleness, and commitment?
Embrace opportunities to mentor when they present themselves. Whatever your roles and relationships, it's likely you have people looking to you for guidance. You may have a chance to provide an example, a listening ear, and a discerning counselor to co-workers at work. Parents shepherd their children into the way of the Lord, bringing his instruction into each aspect of our daily home life. Not only does God say to place his words "on your heart" (Deut. 6:6), but "you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise" (Deut. 6:7). Older women can give younger women perspective, training, and encouragement (Titus 2:3-5). And the counsel of older men can offer invaluable insight to young men (1 Kings 12:6-19).
Invest in other Christians, seeking to influence one another and grow together. "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow" (Eccl. 4:9-10). God wants us to support and strengthen one another, investing both our love and our wisdom. Two people of character can improve each other like "iron sharpens iron" (Prov. 27:17). God has made his people "full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another" (Rom. 15:14). The truth is, we all can benefit from "an abundance of counselors" (Prov. 11:14), and a wise person seeks out and "listens to advice*" (Prov. 12:15). What a gift to find yourself surrounded by friends who can help make you better!
Through the Week
- Read (Mon) — John 10:1-18; Ps. 23:1-6; 1 Peter 5:1-14; Ezek. 34:1-10; 1 Sam. 17:32-37
- Reflect (Tue) — Does "shepherding" describe my leadership style?
- Request (Wed) — "Holy Father, teach me to care for others the way you care for me" (cf. Ps. 23).
- Respond (Thu) — Touch base with someone who looks up to you, offering them encouragement.
- Reach Out (Fri) — What moments have shown you how difficult and worthwhile shepherding can be?
