1 Peter Chapter 5: verse 2 (NIV)
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve;
Today’s verse really is an extension to what I learned yesterday. Its all about the difference having the right attitude can make. Although Peter is addressing his teaching to the elders of the church who were responsible for looking after their fellow believers in the church, I believe the advice applies to every Christian whatever it is they are being asked to do. If we undertake a task under God with a willing heart and total obedience, then the task will be done well and as it should be. Even if we are nervous about doing so, because we have the right attitude, we are also open to the Holy Spirit’s direction for the task ahead.
When I first became a Christian, the Pastor, Bill Ramage, if he asked us to do anything used to say, “One volunteer is better than ten pressed men.” That’s so true. If we do something grudgingly, we are more likely to take a shortcut or rush through it so we can get back to doing our own thing. But if that’s the case, we are actually not doing the task to the best of our ability. God doesn’t take kindly to us taking that attitude. I read yesterday about the fact that we are to have the same attitude as Christ. He never did anything grudgingly, so neither must I.
Dear Lord,
I’m grateful that You only give us the best. Help me always to be willing to do whatever You ask, knowing that even if my knees are knocking You will give me all I need to do the task to the best of my ability. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.