Good leaders are influential in our lives. They make an important contribution to our over-all confidence and sense of well-being. The Bible has a lot to say about leadership and describes leaders as being care-givers for others. Listen to how the New Testament instructs church leaders:

Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers. Not because you must, but because you are willing as God wants you to be. Not greedy for money, but eager to serve. Not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

“Shepherd” is the same word that we call “pastor.” By vocation I am the pastor of a church. That means that I have a great responsibility for the lives and souls of the people. I pray for them daily. I think long and hard about how to care for others, directly and by delegation. I consider it to be both a wonderful privilege and a frightening responsibility to be a shepherd of God’s people.

But pastors aren’t the only ones that shepherd. Most Christians have shepherding responsibilities. Some shepherd co-workers at the office. When misfortune strikes, people look to them for comfort and support. Some shepherd their neighborhoods, seeing to the needs of lonely or hurting neighbors. Christian parents shepherd their children – even after they are grown!

Look for opportunities to be a care-giver for the souls and lives of others whom God has given you to oversee. Be a shepherd who is “eager to serve.”