What practical steps ensure we "give attention to our flocks"? Setting the Scene “Be sure to know the state of your flocks, and pay careful attention to your herds.” (Proverbs 27:23) Solomon’s counsel reaches far beyond sheep and goats. God entrusts each of us with people, possessions, and opportunities that need vigilant care. Ignoring them invites loss; tending them brings blessing (Proverbs 27:24-27). Identify Your Flock Before we can “pay careful attention,” we first clarify what—or who—our flock is. Think through: • Family: spouse, children, aging parents (1 Timothy 5:8) • Church or ministry responsibilities (Acts 20:28) • Employees, co-workers, students, clients (Colossians 3:23-24) • Personal resources: health, finances, time, talents (Proverbs 24:27) • Neighbors and friends the Lord puts in our path (Galatians 6:10) Practical Steps for Shepherding 1. Schedule Regular Check-Ins • Put names and tasks on a calendar—birthdays, meetings, budget reviews. • Treat each appointment as immovable as any work deadline. • “Let all things be done decently and in order.” (1 Corinthians 14:40) 2. Listen Before You Lead • Ask open, caring questions; resist the urge to fix everything instantly. • “Everyone must be quick to listen, slow to speak.” (James 1:19) • Note recurring themes; they reveal hidden needs. 3. Pray Specifically for Each Sheep • Keep a simple list; update it as God answers. • Paul modeled this: “We have not stopped praying for you.” (Colossians 1:9) • Prayer keeps our hearts tender and dependent on the Chief Shepherd. 4. Provide Nourishment and Protection • Share Scripture that addresses real-time issues (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Set boundaries against spiritual, emotional, or financial predators (John 10:12-13). • Encourage healthy habits: rest, Sabbath, wise spending, fellowship. 5. Equip and Empower • Delegate meaningful tasks—lack of involvement breeds boredom. • Celebrate progress publicly; correct privately (Proverbs 27:2; Matthew 18:15). • “Shepherd the flock of God…not lording it over those entrusted to you.” (1 Peter 5:2-3) 6. Keep Accurate Records • Simple budgets, health logs, ministry rosters help spot decline early. • “Know the state” implies facts, not guesses. • Review monthly; adjust plans prayerfully. Staying Alert: Ongoing Evaluation • Seasonal Reviews: harvests, school terms, fiscal quarters—set markers to assess growth. • Ask, “What’s flourishing? What’s faltering?” Then act. • Proverbs 27:12 reminds us that the prudent “see danger and take cover.” Guarding Against Neglect • Busyness is the subtle thief. Ruthlessly cut distractions (Ephesians 5:15-16). • Isolation dulls discernment. Seek counsel from trusted believers (Proverbs 15:22). • Weariness invites apathy. Embrace regular rest; even the Good Shepherd “made them lie down.” (Psalm 23:2) Looking to the Chief Shepherd Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me.” (John 10:14) Our ability to give attention flows from abiding in Him. As we mirror His watchful love, the flock under our care thrives, and He receives the glory. |
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