My Mom told me about a conversation she’d been in recently and one man’s comment intrigued me very much. I’m sure it has been around forever, but to my knowledge, I’d had never heard it. It started me down the path to this post, it was something like
“A good shepherd is not afraid to smell like the sheep!”
I began to examine myself by this, looking into the mirror and into my own heart. I want and need to know what God expects from me as a Minister, as a child of God and as a Man (Husband, father, pawpaw, employee, etc.).
I have been blessed with several Good and Faithful Shepherds through my walk. Men that stood shoulder to shoulder with me, sometimes propping me up, during some of my darkest hours. I’ve since realized that the ministry fights the same kind of battles we do, all the while fighting yours as if it was the most important cause ever. You are not always going to agree with them but understand that they could be helping you overcome while battling something even bigger themselves. We need to pray for them daily and with them often for both our sakes.
So What sets them apart? What makes them approachable? What is it about them that makes you smile when you see them? Or uncomfortable when there is sin in the camp?What is it that makes you feel like you can share, with this person, all your dreams, hopes, and failures without fear condemnation or ridicule?
There are many other qualities that I’m sure can be added to this list but here are a few attributes that qualify and separate the Shepherds from the Hirelings.
- Love and dedication to our Lord Jesus Christ before all else.
- A Prayer Life or a Life of Prayer
- Devotion to unwavering Truth
- Genuine Love for the souls of man
- Godly Kindness, even while chastising
- Wisdom from the Throne of Grace
- Knowing the Word, Studying to show Himself approved unto God
- A Fearless Guard of his flock
- Seeking God’s anointed Will before his own
- Humble, giving all Glory unto God
1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV) “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud” is a short look at what is expected of all of us, as sheep and shepherds.
As emissaries of Jesus Christ, we must strive for the same qualities we expect from our Pastors if we are going to win the lost and live a victorious life. As Sheep we are REQUIRED to respect our shepherd, we must honor him and obey his message as he obeys Christ. Romans 10:14 …..and how shall they hear without a preacher?
A good Shepherd will not get lifted up in his position, but with humility continue to dwell among the sheep and lead from the front of the flock. He has to be close to them if he is to know their needs and guide and defend them adequately. He also has the job of chastising when they go astray.
Sheep must know their Shepherds voice. They follow and submit to the shepherd that they know and trust. He has to know where they are going to get them there safely. And they must trust that he does and follow his leading. But usually, that means He has to go there first. It’s not an easy job, the constant bleating of the sheep, the smell, the sacrifices of home and family, and always on duty 24/7. Is it worth the trouble?
Am I or can I become a Faithful Shepherd? Do I have the qualities? What can and must I do to be pleasing to God in whatever role He places me in? These are some of my questions to God?
We should all, Sheep and Shepherd alike, ask God these questions about our walk. Pray, Pray, Pray for your Pastor that God will bless, encourage, strengthen, uplift, give wisdom, and help him to be the Perfect example of God’s Love. If you are like me, I’m sure my Pastor welcomes the Prayers, and I definitely need the practice!
One single quote started my heart and mind onto this path of self-examination both from a Shepherd and a Sheep’s perspective!
“A good shepherd is not afraid to smell like the sheep!”
I thank God for all the Pastors in my life past and present, that live up to the Biblical expectation of a Pastor and have set the bar High for all the rest of us. May God help me measure up!
Thanks, Momma, I Love You
The Swimming Axehead 
This is such a well thought message. And, it IS a message!
Everyone one shoukd read this.
This will swim!
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Thanks, Bother E!
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The honor an respect the sheep give to their shepherd is so very important. It hurts me when I see a saint being disrespectful or not honoring a pastor. When I hear them tearing him down for something they think he should or should not have done. As you said, they do not realize all the he is dealing with, not only their problems and needs but those of all the other saints in the church as well as his own, and those of his family. One pastor once said that the bigger the church, the harder the pastors job in many ways. If he has 10 saints he has at least 10 problems to deal with, if he has 500 he has 500 problems to deal with. We need to remember the burden that our shepherds carry. They deserve our honor, appreciation, respect, love, and understanding.
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