Caring For The Church Of Christ

 Sheep and shepherds play a vital role in Scripture. Sheep have to be guarded from enemy attacks, and guided by the shepherd, because the little flock in their care, often wander away, become fearful or blindly follow the rest of the sheep. The shepherd must not neglect those in his care. Rather, he must consider the needs of the sheep before his own. He must watch over them tenderly and search out lush pasture for them to eat, and calm pools of water where they can drink in peace and safety. He must ensure that he protects each one from the many prowling predators, and erect strong defenses around the precious sheep-fold to ward off evil.
 God is no man's debtor, and despite spiritually gifting all who are called to shepherd the flock of God, Peter reveals a wonderful truth that should rejoice the heart of those who are called to be pastors or elders, or those who Shepherd the Body of Christ, for His name's sake. When JESUS the Supreme Shepherd returns in the clouds to take us to be with Himself, they will receive a glorious crown, rewarding them for their faithful efforts, that will never fade away. God is a generous Giver of all that is good and perfect in this life; and in the world to come His gifts of grace are eternal and His generosity is never-ending and beyond our comprehension. 
 Whether this is only given to those who are under-shepherds in a Church fellowship, or whether it is a crown that may be awarded to all who have faithfully served the Body of Christ and cared for the people of God in the graciousness of their heart under the guidance of the Spirit is not clear, but may we all in humility of heart carry out Christ's will faithfully and fervently, by Caring For The Church Of Christ, as we look for that glorious day when we will be with our Good and Faithful Shepherd Who died and rose again so that we might live eternally.
1 Peter 5:4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Our United Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the faithful pastors and elders in our churches who humbly care for the people in their congregations, as they gently shepherd the flock of God in their charge. We pray for all those who have been called to be the under-shepherds of Your people, and pray that You would empower each one with the gifts and graces they need to minister to those You have placed in their charge. Keep them from developing an attitude of pride or superiority, and may they all rejoice with the saints in heaven, when they receive their crown of glory that will not pass away. Help each one to pattern their life on Christ, and may each one set a godly examples to those in their care. This we ask in Jesus' name, AMEN.