Hired Hand or Shepherd

“The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep.” John 10:13 NLT

     Our church has been studying John this past year. Yesterday the sermon was on John Chapter 10.  It got me thinking a shepherd’s primary duty is to protect and care for the flock.  The sheep are vulnerable, whether it be predators, or lack of water and food. Quite simply the shepherd’s job is to keep them safe and guide them to nourishment. A shepherd carried a staff, the way I see it, this was the first multi tool. The staff could be used to catch wandering sheep and redirect them to the correct path, it could also be used as protection to ward off predators. This wasn’t just a job, it was beyond a 40-hour workweek, it was night and day, all-consuming if you will. One might say the shepherd was fully vested in the life of the sheep.

    Verse 13 was so convicting for me, not only as a Christian, but also as staff member in a church. He is looking out for their best interest and guiding them when it is needed. The shepherd wasn’t there for part of the journey but walked with the sheep the entire time.  A clear distinction is made in this verse, a shepherd truly cares for the sheep, but someone who is only there to collect a paycheck will cut and run when it gets difficult. It got me thinking, am I a shepherd or a hired hand? In complete transparency I have been a hired hand at times. I am so thankful that The Good Shepherd as used his figurative staff and found me, never rebuked me, but loved me.

    We are commanded to make disciples in book of Matthew. This means at times, we may need to pursue someone, gently and lovingly guide them to a different path, the one that leads to eternal life. There will be challenges, rocky terrain, storms, maybe even a drought.  A hired hand may choose to walk away when faced with challenges. A shepherd will endure the challenges along with the sheep. I never want to be a hired hand again. What about you? Are you a hired hand or a shepherd?

Photo by Patrick Schneider on Unsplash