What actions can we take to ensure we follow faithful spiritual leaders? Seeing God’s Heart in Ezekiel 34:8 “‘As surely as I live,’ declares the Lord GOD, ‘because My flock has become prey and My sheep have become food for every wild beast, since they lack a shepherd—and because My shepherds did not search for My flock, but cared for themselves rather than for My flock—’ • God is personally offended when leaders neglect His people. • The verse exposes two failures: neglecting the flock and serving self-interest. • These twin dangers still threaten churches today, so vigilance is essential. Discern the Marks of an Unfaithful Shepherd Ezekiel 34:8 gives the template; other passages fill in details: • Self-focused (Ezekiel 34:8; 1 Peter 5:2). • Indifferent to the lost or hurting (Ezekiel 34:8). • Driven by greed or power (1 Timothy 3:3; 1 Peter 5:2-3). • Produces bad fruit (Matthew 7:15-16). Measure Leaders by God’s Qualifications 1 Tim 3:2-3; Titus 1:6-9; 1 Peter 5:2-3; Hebrews 13:7 Look for: • Sound doctrine—“hold firmly to the trustworthy word” (Titus 1:9). • Christ-like character—above reproach, gentle, hospitable, pure. • Servant leadership—eager to serve, not domineering. • Faithful family life—“husband of but one wife.” • Accountability—willing to be corrected and transparent. Stay Rooted in Scripture Yourself • Read the Word daily so you can test teaching. • Compare sermons, books, podcasts with plain biblical text. • Refuse to outsource discernment to charisma or popularity. Watch the Fruit Over Time Heb 13:7; Matthew 7:16 • Observe relationships: do people grow in holiness and love? • Check stewardship: is money handled openly? • Examine lifestyle: consistent integrity on and off the platform. Value Plurality and Accountability • Favor churches led by a team of elders, not a lone celebrity. • Expect financial oversight, membership input, and published budgets. • Encourage leaders to seek counsel from outside mentors. Actions You Can Take Today 1. Study 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1; list the traits you should expect. 2. Compare your current leaders to that list—gratefully acknowledge strengths, lovingly note gaps. 3. Engage in your church’s membership meetings and review reports. 4. Support leaders who model Christ by praying for them, encouraging them, and submitting to their biblically sound direction (Hebrews 13:17). 5. If leadership proves persistently unfaithful, follow Matthew 18 accountability steps and, if unheeded, seek a congregation that honors God’s shepherding pattern. Fix Your Eyes on the Perfect Shepherd • Jesus “lays down His life for the sheep.” • Faithful human leaders point beyond themselves to Him. • Ultimately, trust rests not in people but in the Lord who will “shepherd His flock with justice” (Ezekiel 34:15-16). |
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