"So I exhort the elders among you, as
a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker
in the glory that is going to be revealed: 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; not domineering over those in your charge, but being
examples to the flock. And
when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown
of glory." 1 Peter 5:1-4 ESV
For those of you who don't know, I do not live very close to my family and I only make it home about once every four weeks. Naturally, this means I am friends with people who are not acquainted with my family and vise versa. Recently it was brought to my attention that perhaps I was not being wise in one of my relationships and I didn't know what to do. My father and mother have not observed the relationship in question so they wouldn't be able to shed much wisdom about it.
Thankfully, when God saves us He does not leave us to ourselves. One of His greatest gifts to us is the church family and within it He has provided pastors and elders; overseers of our souls.
So, first I prayed about the situation for about a week, then I texted my pastor's wife and asked if I could come over to talk. That evening I sat in their living room and had an honest conversation with my pastor and his wife, gleaned from their wisdom, received direction, was encouraged in my faith, and was prayed over.
This is just one of many examples of how my pastor and elders have cared for my soul. They have asked me deeply personal questions, prayed for and with me, preached the gospel, rebuked my sin, encouraged my faith, inquired after my activities, and have welcomed me into their homes and families. You see, they care for my soul, my soul, which is the one thing that man cannot kill and the one thing that, upon my death, will be in heaven until Jesus returns.
I understand that being a shepherd of souls is difficult. It takes time, prayer, wisdom, grace, patience, and much of oneself. This is a great responsibility. It's no wonder that Satan wishes and schemes that they may fail at their task, for if the shepherds fall the sheep quickly become helpless. This fact makes me resolve to pray for them so much more. And to give praise to Jesus, the Good Shepherd who never fails and who cared so much for our souls that He gave His life for them that we would have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:10)
For this I am incredibly thankful.
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