Hired?
God on Monday
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The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. (…) I lay down my life for the sheep. (John 10:13-15)
Reflection
In the bustling landscape of the contemporary workplace, performance targets and profit margins can dictate decisions and overshadow principles. But these verses offer timeless wisdom. They urge us to embrace a paradigm shift in leadership from the transactional to the transformative.
At its heart lies a call to shepherd, not as hired hands, but with care, responsibility, and sacrifice. It entails a commitment to nurturing and protecting, and to leading with compassion and integrity. The hired hand, in contrast, is more driven by personal gain than investment in the well-being of others. The hired hand operates from a place of transience, seeking short-term advantage.
As individuals navigating the often complex terrain of work, we are confronted with a choice. Either we adopt the ethos of the shepherd or that of the hired hand. The former calls us to embrace a sense of purpose, recognising that our roles extend far beyond the usual metrics of success. It challenges us to cultivate meaningful relationships built on trust and mutual respect.
Living our lives as shepherds in the realm of work demands courage and conviction in the face of the temptations of expedience and self-interest. It calls for humility in leadership that acknowledges that true greatness lies not in the pursuit of power or wealth, but in the ability to lift and empower others.
As shepherds who are, at the same time, sheep of the Good Shepherd, we need to embody integrity, compassion, and unwavering dedication, until we are all gathered into one flock, to the glory of God.
Response
Reflect on your own leadership style. How do people see that you are a follower of the Good Shepherd? Identify one opportunity this week to demonstrate care, responsibility, sacrifice, nurture protection, compassion or integrity.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help us to be shepherds, rather than hired hands. May our actions honour you by nurturing trust and setting a good example. May we be agents of lasting transformation. Amen.
This Week's Author
Alisa Latty-Alleyne, UK National Director for Christian Broadcast Network, Author of
From Grief to Glory: A Memoir of Finding Joy after Loss.
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God on Monday is produced in partnership with the Church of England. The reflections are based on the scriptural readings designated for the next Sunday in the Church's lectionary. You can sign up here to receive each God on Monday instalment.
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