I remember a time as a boy when we were at the local rodeo and a bull decided he did not want to go with the program. He climbed up and over the start gate and into the ring while they were doing the roping events. They spent the next hour or so trying to prod this bull back into the pen. There were some very exciting moments, like when he tried to climb into the stands, but in all they had a hard time. I am not sure how they finally got him in there, but a verse I read this morning made me remember this event.
1 Peter 5:2-3 (ESV)
2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;
3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.
Sometimes in ministry it is easy to try and prod people, but most likely they will just try to get away from us and or climb into the stands where they will cause damage. Instead it is our job as leaders, and every believer is a leader somewhere somehow, to lead by example. Let us pull people along, by walking out in front and allowing them to see how God is working in us. Let us pray that God will give them the desire to follow us as we follow Christ.
Any Thoughts?
God Bless
Pastor Chris
