In what ways can we ensure we are not "feeding themselves" as leaders? Key Passage “ …feasting together with you without fear, feeding only themselves …” (Jude 1:12) Seeing the Warning The Holy Spirit paints a vivid picture: leaders who show up at the table of fellowship but take instead of give. Scripture never soft-pedals the danger of self-absorbed shepherds (Ezekiel 34:2-10; Isaiah 56:11; John 10:12-13). The antidote is equally clear and practical. Signs We Might Be “Feeding Ourselves” • Using ministry to build a platform or personal brand • Hoarding resources—time, money, recognition—rather than releasing them for the flock’s good • Choosing comfort over costly obedience (John 10:11) • Allowing flattery to replace honest feedback • Preaching truths we are unwilling to practice (Matthew 23:3-4) Guardrails That Keep Us Serving, Not Consuming 1. Daily Reset of Motive • Begin each task asking, “Will this glorify Christ or spotlight me?” (1 Corinthians 10:31). • Recall that the church belongs to the Chief Shepherd, not to us (1 Peter 5:4). 2. Shepherd Before We Speak • Invest in personal, hands-on care—visits, calls, genuine listening (Acts 20:20). • Let lessons grow out of what the flock truly needs, not what will showcase our knowledge. 3. Practice Transparent Stewardship • Open books, open calendars, open lives (2 Corinthians 8:20-21). • Invite trustworthy brothers and sisters to review spending, scheduling, and strategic decisions. 4. Embrace Shared Leadership • Develop and release new servants (Ephesians 4:11-12). • Rotate visible roles so no one becomes indispensable—or untouchable. 5. Lead With a Towel, Not a Title • Follow Jesus’ foot-washing pattern (John 13:14-15). • Look for the lowliest task in the room and quietly do it. 6. Keep a Sacrificial Lifestyle • Budget to give first, live second (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Hold possessions loosely, modeling generosity the flock can imitate. 7. Feed Yourself on Christ, Not on Sheep • Guard private worship; public ministry dries up when the secret well is empty (Mark 1:35). • Measure success by faithfulness, not applause (Galatians 1:10). 8. Welcome Loving Correction • Submit to mature believers who can confront drift early (Proverbs 27:6). • Treat criticism as a gift; sift it prayerfully, apply what is true. Fruit We Can Expect • A congregation that feels protected and well-nourished (Psalm 23:1-3) • Unity that withstands storms, because agendas are Christ-centered (Philippians 2:1-4) • Leaders who finish the race without disqualification, ready to receive the “unfading crown of glory” (1 Peter 5:4) When shepherds keep their eyes on the Chief Shepherd, the flock gets fed—and no one leaves the table hungry. |
    |