By Roger Oakland
The Bible provides a model for leadership. The model is quite simple. Jesus Christ is the good shepherd. The good shepherd is in charge of the sheep. Christians are sheep who belong to the flock. Unlike what some religious groups teach, the sheep should have personal access to the good shepherd. There is one mediator between God and man. We don’t need a priest to intervene.
Of course, the body of Christ is rightfully divided into smaller flocks with shepherds who are called to teach and protect the sheep. This is where a problem can arise. What if a shepherd is in the position of a shepherd but has not been called to be a shepherd? What if his job is just a job and not a calling? What if the shepherd is actually a wolf? The Bible states this can definitely happen.
Now, there is another aspect to this. Because mankind has the tendency to do things man’s way rather than God’s way, even shepherds can be influenced. Shepherds who follow Jesus and walk according to the Scriptures are truly God’s shepherds. However, as you know, because man is man, a shepherd can actually believe he is a shepherd when he is not. There are a number of factors that can lead a shepherd astray. Solomon, a very wise man, was warned about what could lead a servant of God away from God – for example, possessions, power, and women. Unfortunately, Solomon fell for all three.
Click here to continue reading.
