The Shepherd’s Work
A true shepherd will have an interest in all that relates to the welfare
of the flock, feeding, guiding, and defending them. He will carry
himself with great wisdom, and will manifest a tender consideration
for all, especially for the tempted, the afflicted, and the desponding.
“Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister,
and to give His life a ransom for many.” [
Matthew 20:28
.] “Verily,
verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither
he that is sent greater than he that sent him.” [
John 13:16
.] Christ
“made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a
servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” [
Philippians 2:7
.] “We
then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not
to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbor for his
good to edification. For even Christ pleased not Himself; but, as it
is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on Me.”
[
Romans 15:1-3
.]
* * * * *
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Many a laborer fails in his work because he does not come close
to those who most need his help. With the Bible in hand, he should
seek in a courteous manner to learn the objections which exist in
the minds of those who are beginning to inquire, “What is truth?”
Carefully and tenderly should he lead and educate them, as pupils in a
school. Many have to unlearn theories which they have long believed
to be truth. As they become convinced that they have been in error
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concerning Bible subjects, they are thrown into perplexity and doubt.
They need the tenderest sympathy and the most judicious help; they
should be carefully instructed, and should be prayed for and prayed
with, watched and guarded with the kindest solicitude.
It is a great privilege to be a co-laborer with Christ in the salvation
of souls. With patient, unselfish effort the Saviour sought to reach man
in his fallen condition, and to rescue him from the consequences of
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