“Lord Work In Me What Is Pleasing To You!”

“Lord Work In Me What Is Pleasing To You!”
For one week we have been reflecting on good shepherding in contrast to bad shepherding. We also noted that Jesus Christ is the Chief shepherd par excellence. But what about the sheep?
Some sheep are a real headache to the shepherd. They are prone to wander away from the flock or to lag behind when others are on the move. Hebrews enjoins the sheep (Christians): “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you…”
On the one hand is obedience to leaders and submission to authority, on the other hand leaders should do their work as people “who must give an account.”
Respect for authority, orderliness and discipline in Church is an important teaching all through the New Testament. However, in as much as obedience to leaders and respect for authority are expected from the Christians, this command does not condone with dictatorial leadership. Apostolic authority is constructive intending to build up the body of Christ and not to destroy (cf. II Cor.10:8; 13:10b).
Both leaders and the led must remember that there is the Lord Jesus Christ who is the “great Shepherd of the sheep.” Our prayer is that through him God should equip us “with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him…”(Heb.13:17-21).
Weekend prayer: Dear Lord equip me with everything good for doing your will. Work in me what is pleasing to you through Jesus Christ. Amen!
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!