CARING FOR THE FLOCK
Today's reading: Acts 19-20

"And now beware! Be sure that you feed and shepherd God's flock--his church purchased with his blood--over whom the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders." Acts 20:28 NLT

Is it important to preach the Gospel and bring in the unsaved? Absolutely, it's our Great Commission.

Is it vital we seek out the wandering, back-sliding believers, bringing them back to the fold? Yes, a resounding yes!

Is it vital to our witness and to our fellowship and to our future that we care for the steadfast, committed sheep who continue to serve Sunday after Sunday, never missing a service or an opportunity to serve? It sure is, but few of us even think about that--including myself.

We have to continue to care for the healthy sheep.

We have to place opportunities before them that help in their continued growth.

We have to help shoulder burdens that could leave them lame or exhausted.

We have to provide them a safe place to rest, to work, to worship with all their hearts.

We have to be open and honest in our accountability to each other and to our Christian walks.

We have to remain true to the Word of God, never wandering from its truths, never straying from the path it leads us on, never twisting, never diluting, never using it improperly--in order that those in the care of the Great Shepherd continue to thrive so more and more will be reached.