John 10: 2-4 (NASB)
2 But he who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep.
3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
4 When he puts forth all his own, he goes ahead of them, the sheep follow him because they know his voice.

The parable of the good shepherd not only teaches us that we are to follow Jesus as our leader, it also teaches us how God would have us lead others. Tending sheep is quite different than herding cattle. Sheep will follow the voice of a good shepherd. Cattle must be prodded and driven where you want them to go.

When I was 25, I became the instant father of two young boys, ages 7 and 5. Looking back, I wasn’t nearly prepared for that task. I did my best to set a good example for them and loved them from the very first day, but I often behaved more like a cowboy than the shepherd that children need.

That experience taught me a lot as I grew older and hopefully a bit wiser. Principles are more important than rules, love is more important than results, and God is more important than anything else.

As a manager in business, I realize that shepherding is the only way to encourage others to be their best. It all comes down to being the shepherd whose voice they hear and follow. It is establishing principles and letting them discover the best way to be successful. I also found that the success of a group of people is primarily the result of the leader and whether they are a shepherd or a cowboy.

The same is true in our leadership of church ministries. It isn’t the leader’s analysis of demographics or the development of creative programs that make it successful, but rather being a good shepherd that represents the Good Shepherd to the people. People will naturally follow the voice of a shepherd that encourages others by being transparent and loving. People want to follow those leaders and they will in turn draw others into those ministries.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd and if we follow him and live His example, we can be better spouses, parents, leaders in business, and leaders in the ministries that God has called us to shepherd.

Father, you are the Good Shepherd. Take away all thoughts that would make me a cowboy. Sanctify me into the image of your Son. Help me to be the leader that emulates Jesus in all aspects of my life. Amen.

Always praying for the glory of God,