SHEPHERDS MEET THE NEEDS OF IMMORTALS
Psalm 23:1-3 The
LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green
pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.
Leaders
become shepherds when they awaken to the reality that their actions and
decisions are able to improve the quality of the lives for those who follow
them. This entails a fully integrated life involving the head and hand and
heart. Our thinking and doing and being all lend to the development of people.
When leaders provide an environment of contentment and abundance, they will
find more growth and progress in the lives and actions of others.
Psychologists believe that in order
for people to achieve their full potential, certain things must be in place in
their lives. First, their basic survival needs of food, clothing, shelter and
water must be met. Next they require a sense of protection or security from
danger, illness or bodily harm. Then they must have a sense of being a part of
some group with acceptance, affection and understanding from others. This is
followed by a need for self pride, self respect and status. Once all these
needs are met a person can reach full potential. This truth is found throughout
Scripture. Scripture teaches us to understand God’s complete love for us and
our need to love Him and others with all our heart, soul, mind and strength
(actions). It requires strong and tough leaders to display personal qualities
of patience, persistence and diligence while working with their flock.
People are not perfect. Yet
shepherds are called to lead a group of imperfect souls. Looking at others we
first see their physical characteristics. As a relationship develops we then
learn about their character, skills, flaws and foibles. We get stuck at this
point, failing to see their immortality. We forget that Christ died for them,
too. “To be a shepherd requires a bold living out of both mercy and compassion.
Choosing mercy means choosing not to punish an individual when justice demands
punishment. Choosing compassion means providing for someone when justice
demands that they not receive anything. Shepherd leaders can do this because
they’ve been awakened to the mercy and compassion they have been shown.”
Shepherd Leadership: Wisdom For Leaders From Psalm 23, by Blaine
McCormick & David Davenport, pgs. 20-29.