“Caring For The Flock!”

“Caring For The Flock!”(I Pt.5:1-4).
“To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 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; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”
I just watched a Nigerian movie where the main actor is a humanitarian to his community. Almost everyone in the community thinks he is the best thing that ever happened to the community. Only a few persons in the community realises the facade. He has tied the community with an evil charm. Any act of charity he does chains the destiny of the beneficiary.
As we round up the week on shepherding, the emphasis is on the roles of elders as shepherds. Elders here refer to elderly people.
Elder is defined as “people who are older than one.,” or “a leader or senior figure in a tribe or other group.”
We should, therefore, not confuse this with Elder as leaders in some protestant denominations – though they are not excluded.
Peter appeals to us, the elders, to take care of the people under our care. We should do so out of love as something needful and not as a job description that has to be followed.
In the cause of serving others, we should not consider what we have to gain.
While serving others, do not ask, “What is in it for me?” Rather ask whether it will be of help to the person involved.
These days, one road accident generates many virile video clips. When we view them, we exclaim, “Lord have mercy!” or “Blood of Jesus!” While it may be helpful to video the accident, how helpful were you to those involved in the accident.
There is a need for loving attention to those who need us.
The eye-servant syndrome that is gradually taking hold of us should be discouraged before it becomes a canker that eats us up. And if it has to be discouraged, it must begin with you and I.
Our care of others comes in many shades and colours. We should care for others not for mere pay but with a real desire to serve.
In everything, we should be the examples for others to emulate. We may be the only Bible they are reading.
Weekend prayer: Holy Spirit, strengthen and help us to devote our care of those under us, not because we expect a reward from the Chief Shepherd, but because we have a real desire to serve. Amen!
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.
10/05/2025.