"Take Heed"

Serving the Flock of Christ

"take heed to yourselves and all the flock."

Shepherds must be capable of keeping the beloved safe from wolves in sheep's clothing, nourished from an innocent stream, and not from a poisonous well. Those who desire the office of servitude pursue prudence and due diligence in ensuring they know who they associate themselves with. They must discern the difference between faithful and fruitful preachers and preachers who fill themselves with pride and condemnation, intimidation and flattery, argumentative and divisive, sowing discord and cultivating bitterness with a hardened heart.

When a factious "preacher and his wife" maliciously fracture every church they infiltrate, being withdrawn from those they can't entirely devour, dismantling all ministries associated with, having a terrible reputation in the community, seeking to justify foul and sinful behavior, and falling out of all the friendships they abuse, yet cunningly masquerading it all through their gatekeeping platforms as "successful righteousness?" The problem may not be everyone they've slandered and bore false witness against, but it could be that the fraudulent couple is the problem. But, strange as it is, some brethren, even brethren of influence who should know better, will unquestioningly support and defend the problem, revealing their lack of wisdom, no doubt.

We are held to a higher standard and must have the insight to identify the "red flags." Looking the other way, permitting weakness or vulnerabilities to blind us will result in much sorrow and grief. But here's the good news: not all preachers and their wives practice evil works. Some are humble servants who will genuinely love the church, suffer long and practice compassion, heal the brokenhearted, sacrifice their well-being for the kingdom's greater good, serve God's healthy and growing congregation, and never compromise their faith. Shepherds with moral integrity will mark and avoid what is wicked but embrace and support what is pure.

Shepherding with law and love, being courageous and disciplined for service, carries much responsibility. Understanding the Scriptures and applying it in practical application is the way of Christ.

Be wise, brethren. Devils are craftier than one might suspect, and they love preeminence behind the pulpit. But the love of Christ is stronger than any worldly power: "For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." The truth always comes out, and the justice of God will not be extinguished. We have hope and comfort.

So please, dear shepherds, be careful who you associate yourself with and who you "hire" to work with the congregation. Devils may have faith to move mountains, but without love, they are useless. Pure love fills itself with hospitality and charity, finding all the other descriptive actions written in 1 Cor. 13:4-7.

Your servant,

SM