Leading from a Deep Love for the Flock

Leaders as described in the Bible have no authority over anyone, they lead by example and by teaching but the Holy Spirit is the authority in a believer's life. For a man to be the authority he would have to usurp the Holy Spirit who lives in every believer.

As the Leader protects the sheep he will be on the watch for false doctrine, false sheep and relationship dynamics to instruct correctly and always according to the Bible. This would leave out psychology and cultural traditions.

Matthew 20:25-26 "25 But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,…"

Titus 1:7

"For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,"

1 Peter 5:1-5

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Silly Human Beings and their Own Thoughts

Because of the following passage, I must believe that all my plans and all my personal thoughts cannot possibly know what God knows. How silly for us to make our own plans and ways of doing things as though they are equal to God's. How silly for us to think God needs our help and our plans. How silly to be angry at God when things don't turn out OUR way.

True respect for God is to seek Him for His will instead of telling Him what we want.

(Romans 11:33-36)

“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! ‘For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor?’ ‘Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to him?’ For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.”