Proper Motivation

First-century Christians were admonished:  'Open wide your heart'! (2 Corinthians 6:11-13) Christian elders do well to follow this advice in caring for their shepherding duties. How can they do so?  And what about ministerial servants, many of whom are prospective shepherds?

If Christian elders are to be a blessing to the flock, they must be motivated by more than a sense of duty.  They are counseled:  "Shepherd the flock of God in your care, not under compulsion, but willingly; neither for love of dishonest gain, but eagerly." (1 Peter 5:2) Effective shepherding therefore involves  a willingness and an eagerness to serve others.  (John 21:15-17) It means seeing the needs of the sheep and  being quick to respond. It means demonstrating the fine Christian qualities known as the fruitage of God's  spirit while dealing with others. -Galatians 5:22, 23. 

Shepherding sometimes includes visiting brothers in their homes in their homes.  But shepherds  who 'open their heart' expend themselves. That is to say, they do more than occasional shepherding calls.  They take advantage of every opportunity to shepherd others in the flock. 

Next time: Training Others to Become Shepherds

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000