2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Exodus 25-26 GW; 1 Peter 5 GW
“Be shepherds over the flock God has entrusted to you. Watch over it as God does: Don’t do this because you have to, but because you want to. Don’t do it out of greed, but out of a desire to serve.” (1 Peter 5:2 GW)
Your flock motivates service.
Wherever you are in life, you have a flock of people around you. God grows us where we are. Family, friends, acquaintances, co-workers are all individuals that create a herd unique to you. No one else interacts with them as you do. Every single one of them, whether you like them or not, are God’s children. Loving God means finding a way to love your flock. The light God shines through you to the world, no one else has.
You don’t have to like someone to love them. To “like” someone means “corresponding or agreeing in general or in some noticeable respect.” My best friends are easy to “like” because we all have similar beliefs and views. People who have opposite views are not ones I particularly like, but I do love them. We need people who challenge our thinking because our thinking isn’t always correct.
Love goes beyond like.
To “watch over” your flock as God does means asking Him for His view. As you think of the people in your life, lift up a simple prayer. “God, help me see them as You do.” When you put this prayer into action in your life, you’ll view your herd differently. Everyone you encounter will matter to you in a way only possible through God’s lens. You will want to serve them because of Christ’s love for you. God’s lens changes your perspective about others, as well as yourself.
Liking people isn’t necessary to love them. Understanding God’s love for you and others is. As you absorb God’s love for you today, let it flow to everyone you encounter. They’re your flock; love them well.
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Dear heavenly Father, thank You for Your view. Forgive us for our deficiencies in serving the flock You’ve given us. Help us today to gain a new perspective. Whoever we encounter today, let us see them through Your eyes. Let Your love for them motivate us to love them. Help us tend our herd as You would. Through You, we can. IJNIP. Amen
Question for reflection
How can you serve your flock today?
