Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be. 1 Peter 5:2–3 (NIV)
I love watching TV. Many of my favorite shows had servants, especially those shows from back in the day. Among them was the ever-present Lurch from The Addams Family, sassy Florence from The Jeffersons, and the quick-witted Alice from The Brady Bunch.
All of these fictional servants had different personalities and ways to approach the situations that were presented to them by the hodgepodge group of people they served—some kooky, some sweet, some self-absorbed. I have similar types of folks—and more—among my family, friends, church members, and colleagues. They are my people, the ones whom the Lord has put within my reach to serve.
Peter says to be shepherds of God’s flock, and not only willing shepherds but those who are eager to serve and be examples to the flock. That can sometimes be a pretty tall order for me. But with Jesus’s help, I can willingly serve those who come with last-minute requests for help. I can eagerly assist people with personal challenges who on the surface may not be so lovable or easy to work with. And with Jesus’s help, I can be an example of a true servant who walks humbly with Him.
This is part of the work that the Lord has given me to do. While I am watching over my flock, He is watching me as I represent Him. I like to think of myself as a servant in Jesus’s everyday reality show.
Faith Step: Reach out to serve a member of your flock in some way today.
