From "Cared For" to "Caregiver"

A regular feature of Shiloh's 7:00 p.m. alternative/contemporary worship experience is the opportunity to discuss the evening's message. As part of the service, a member of the worship team, usually Justin Sierschula, leads the discussion.

This past week's message centered on the notion that each of us desires to be considered sheep, who are cared for, tended and protected. We rely upon the shepherd to take care of us, to feed us, to guide us, to protect us from the evils of the world. Sometimes, we get stuck there, demanding that God tend to our personal and family needs, that God fix all the wrongs of the world, that Christ save me, comfort me, be beside me.

At what point do we see ourselves as those who are equipped, empowered, enabled and called to shepherd others? At what point do those who have been so thoroughly cared for become the caregivers, the caretakers, the protectors, guides and inspiration to others? When does Christianity become our vocation instead of our safety net?

Justin asked the question during our discussion. "So which are we? Are we sheep or are we shepherds?" he asked.

Which are we?

A member of the worship team probably expressed what each of us was thinking, but for which we could not find appropriate words. "We are both." he said. "We are sheep to the One but must find ways to shepherd for the One."

I continue to find the response a brilliant statement of the Christian vocation. Because we are the sheep of the One, because we follow Christ, a crucified and risen savior who sacrificed himself for all people, throughout space and time, we are called to shepherd. We are called to care for, protect, help guide and inspire the flock. We can no longer simply be cared for. We must be intimately involved in the process of caring, serving, ministering and providing.

Those who follow Jesus Christ do so most faithfully, it seems to me, when we follow the Good Shepherd in paths of sacrificial service that benefits those around us who are in need. We are called to demonstrate the grace of God in Christ. We are called to live mercy, peace, forgiveness, kindness, generosity and love. The Good Shepherd guides us into such paths of service and ministry. To follow him means to pick up his cross and join in the heavy lifting of universal salvation.

Indeed. We are both sheep and shepherds. We are both cared for and caregivers. We are the faithful community of Jesus Christ. Of course we minister and serve in his name. Join us!