It is by no means easy for a young man to become a shepherd, and he ought not be discouraged if he cannot become one in a day. or a year. An orator he can be without difficulty. A reformer he can become at once. In criticism of politics and society he can do a flourishing business the first Sunday. But a shepherd he can become only slowly, and by patiently traveling the way of the cross.The shepherd's work is a humble work; such as it has been from the beginning and such it must be to the end. A man must come down to it. A shepherd cannot shine. He cannot cut a figure. His work must be done in obscurity. the things which he does do not make interesting copy. His work calls for continuous self-effacement. It is a form of service which eats up a man's life. It makes a man old before his time. every good shepherd lay down his life for the sheep. -Charles Jefferson, "The Minister As Shepherd"1 Peter 5:2-4
I pray God will have me seek more to spiritually lead, disciple and change lives. To do so, I need to be led, discipled and changed myself. It is a daily battle getting into the word and giving margin. I am committing to God my time, my love and my attention so he can lead me to change lives.
