How can we "know well the condition" of our responsibilities today? Anchored in the text “Be sure to know the condition of your flocks, and give careful attention to your herds.” (Proverbs 27:23) The original readers pictured sheep and goats on rugged hillsides. The principle is larger than livestock: whatever God has placed under your care must be watched closely, understood accurately, and tended proactively. What your “flocks” look like today • Family relationships • Vocational duties and employees • Church ministries or volunteer teams • Personal finances and possessions • Time, talents, and physical health • Spiritual walk and testimony Five daily practices for knowing their condition 1. Consistent review • Schedule moments each day or week to look over accounts, calendars, and ongoing projects. • “Teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12) 2. Personal presence • Engage face-to-face whenever possible—listen, observe, ask. Digital reports never replace real contact. • Paul modeled this: “We were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but our own lives as well.” (1 Thessalonians 2:8) 3. Honest metrics • Use clear, objective measurements: budgets, checklists, progress reports, health data. • “Let us examine and test our ways, and turn back to the LORD.” (Lamentations 3:40) 4. Prompt correction • When a need surfaces, act quickly—repair the fence, reconcile the conflict, adjust the plan. • “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10) 5. Prayer-saturated planning • Lay every responsibility before the Lord, seeking wisdom and strength for each decision. • “Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be achieved.” (Proverbs 16:3) Guarding the heart behind the habits • Humility—remember you manage, but God owns (Psalm 24:1). • Faithfulness—small, steady obedience counts (Luke 16:10). • Compassion—responsibilities involve people, not just tasks (Colossians 3:12-14). • Vigilance—drift happens when watchfulness fades (1 Peter 5:8). Scriptures that sharpen the vision • 1 Corinthians 4:2—“Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” • Matthew 25:14-30—Parable of the talents: accountability for entrusted resources. • John 10:14—Jesus, the Good Shepherd, “knows” His sheep; His model defines ours. • Genesis 39:2-6—Joseph’s diligent oversight in Potiphar’s house illustrates practical stewardship. What you can expect when you keep watch • Needs met before they escalate • Greater trust from those you lead • Clearer direction in decision-making • Freedom from avoidable crises • Joy of hearing, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23) |
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