1986 January/February issue Part 2

Instructions for Shepherds (and Sheep)

St. Paul's second letter to the young pastor Timothy is packed with practical advice. Most of it applies to all of us who call ourselves Christians. Check this sampling:

Take your share of suffering 2 Tm 1:8

Take strength from the grace of God 2:1

Take your share of hardship 2:3

Remember Jesus Christ 2:8

Try hard to show yourself worthy 2:15

Avoid empty and worldly chatter 2:16

Turn from wayward impulses 2:22

Pursue justice, integrity, love, peace 2:22

Have nothing to do with foolish speculations 2:23

Do not be quarrelsome 2:23

Be kindly towards all 2:24

Be a good teacher, tolerant, gentle 2:24

Keep clear of men who put money and pleasure in the place of God 3:6

Stand by the truths you have learned 3:14

Keep calm and sane at all times 4:5

Face hardship 4:5

Do all the duties of your calling 4:5

Most of us, I believe, will find that we do not score very high on this test. Would your pastor? Thank God it isn't up to us to give him a grade, but it is certainly up to us to pray for him. He carries a tremendous burden of responsibility to God and to the flock God has assigned to him as shepherd. Shouldn't we be praying regularly for our pastors? Shouldn't we ask God to show us ways to make their burdens lighter? One of the ways, surely, would be for us, the flock, to obey these injunctions. Don't they apply to us too? God help us all, sheep and shepherds alike.