Feed Your Flock
“Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock.”
1 Peter 5:2-3
This is an instruction to the elders of the church, but I think it’s appropriate to apply it to our parenting as well. After all, as parents, God designed our first ministry to be our children.
When we have a willingness to serve the Lord by caring for those under our charge (our flock) we become more like Christ. I like to use the example of being a vessel in their lives, steering them, guiding them, pointing them to Christ in the daily decisions, reminding them of Who He is when it gets hard, and thanking Him in times of provision.
We have no selfish gain in parenting, constantly placing ourselves at the foot of the cross (because we can’t do this alone) not lording it over them, but exemplifying humility, and being Godly examples in our homes.
It’s not easy to shepherd a flock. It can get scary and unpredictable at times. But by being in God’s word and relying on the Holy Spirit, we can have faith knowing that God can be trusted.
So journey on friend. It goes so fast!
In Christ,
Natalie