Last night I came across a notable quote that answered a question I have asked myself for a long time: what does it mean for a modern-day American shepherd to lay his life down for his sheep? Miller's convicting and inspiring answer demonstrates that laying down your life is a calling, not just for pastors, but for Christian leaders in every capacity:
Die for your sheep as you study the Word, die as you agonize in prayer for them, die as you look at some backsliding, die as you wrestle with your own sinful self-love. And then you will find daily a resurrection power in life and ministry. …To do this we need to see ourselves in a mighty battle for souls and that our every move is in need of the presence of the Great Shepherd’s love.Here, brothers, is a form of leadership that takes its shape from the cross of Christ: leading by laying down our lives. Instead of using leadership as a way to establish his own identity, significance, or power, the Christlike leader offers himself up in death-like self-denial so that others might truly live.
Really a thought provoking quote. I'll have to pick up the book. Some of the "dying" is more obvious to me, but how would one die as they were looking at backsliding, for example?
ReplyDeleteDie to the self-pity that says, "Poor me, who always has to pursue these wandering sinners." Die to the judgmental spirit that says, "Let them go and get what they deserve." Die to the complacency that ignores the backslider's plight. Die to faithless atheism that doubts if it will do any good. Die to the prayerless atheism that believes it all depends on me. And die to the gospel-denying assumption that this person is never going to amount to much for God.
ReplyDeleteWell said.
ReplyDelete