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Leadership — Shining and Shepherding

Bryan Schiele
03/02/25 - Sun Bible Study

“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.” (Luke 6:40)

Let’s continue our “Cross Training” journey with our discussion on leadership, which comes when we follow Jesus, live with meekness, let our lights shine, and shepherd those around us. Let’s take a closer look at two more aspects of leadership — shining your light and shepherding.

Shining Your Light (Action)

Let Christ Be Seen in You

Are you afraid of the dark? For many, the idea of entering a pitch-black room without a nightlight is terrifying to consider. What’s out there? Are you going to step on or trip over something? When the lights are on, our fears subside. But without light, we’re left wondering what’s lurking in the shadows. It’s incredible how just a little light can ease our worries and help us move forward! So how can we illuminate the world around us, pointing them to Christ?

What You Need to Know

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” but then he added, “Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Isaiah spoke of the Messiah who would offer light to the nations (Isa. 42:6; 49:7). Yet when Paul quotes that passage and applies it to spreading the gospel, he shows how we carry Christ’s light to the world. “For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth’” (Acts 13:47).

We see the tragic evils of a lost world all around us (Phil. 2:15). But it wasn’t so long ago that you, too, “were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord” (Eph. 5:8). We have Christ’s light within us, like a bright and glorious treasure shining out of a clay jar (2 Cor. 4:6-7). So God gives us the task of making his goodness visible in the world. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden ... let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:14, 16).

What You Need to Do

When your good works are on display, check your motives carefully. While Jesus calls us to shine brightly in the world (Matt. 5:14-16), he warns against showing off. He said, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 6:1). Point people to Jesus with your generosity, love, and selflessness, rather than boastfully pointing to yourself. As a good leader, invite people to imitate you — without making it about you at all (1 Cor. 11:1).

If you want to shine brighter, stop complaining or arguing. A Christian who’s never satisfied or always fighting with people is like a powerful flashlight without batteries. “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world ...” (Phil. 2:14-16). Remember that your contentment, gracefulness, and easy-going nature can crank up your influence to eleven!

Keep courage when your differences stand out. Those differences give light to others around you and help them find their way. Standing for Christ can get lonely and disorienting (cf. 1 Kings 19:10), especially when you’re young. But you’re not alone (1 Peter 5:7-10). Find strength for your mission, remembering that everyone around you can find life in Christ, and his life gives light to all (John 1:4). “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).

Through the Week

• Read — Matt. 5:14-16; John 8:12-18; Phil. 2:12-18; Isa. 49:1-13; 2 Cor. 4:1-7
• Reflect — Ask yourself, “Do I ever hide or dim my light around others?”
• Request — Pray, “Lord, give me the courage and love to shine” (cf. Matt. 5:14-16).
• Respond — Ask an acquaintance what you can pray about for them.
• Reach Out — Ask someone “Is there a time you wish you had let your light be seen?”

Shepherding (Community)

Lead Like the Good Shepherd

Have you ever thought about the difference between cowboys and shepherds? Both have a herd to move, but while cowboys “drive” cattle, shepherds “lead” their sheep. Both stay alert to dangers, but shepherds know their sheep in a way cowboys don’t. The cowboy prods and hollers at cattle, while the shepherd’s rod and staff bring comfort (Ps. 23:4). No wonder God describes himself as a shepherd! So why is shepherding the Bible’s defining picture of leadership?

What You Need to Know

God has long promised his people wise and compassionate leadership. Through Jeremiah, God said, “I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding” (Jer. 3:15). He rebuked “the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture” (Jer. 23:1). He declared: “I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be missing, declares the Lord” (Jer. 23:4).

And his promise finds fulfillment today, first in Christ (Micah 5:4-5; Matt. 2:6), and then in the shepherds Christ gives his church (Eph. 4:11-12). These men must meet specific qualifications (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9) as “shepherds” (1 Peter 5:2), also called “elders” (Acts 20:17) or “overseers” (Acts 20:28). As leaders, they keep “watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account” (Heb. 13:17). But though you may not be a shepherd over God’s church, chances are, someone in your life looks to you as a leader. And maybe shepherds have something to teach all of us about leading!

What You Need to Do

Take your leadership cues from Jesus — “the chief shepherd” (1 Peter 5:4), who exemplifies perfect leadership. If we want to lead well, we need to learn the attributes of “the good shepherd” (John 10:11). A shepherd must stay watchful and protect the flock (Acts 20:28). Shepherding requires both firmness and tenderness, both the rod that defends and the staff that corrects (Ps. 23:4). A good shepherd risks his life to fight off wolves (John 10:12) and to go find the wandering sheep (Matt. 18:12-14). Are you ready to serve those you lead with that kind of fierceness, gentleness, and commitment?

Embrace opportunities to mentor when they present themselves. Whatever your roles and relationships, it’s likely you have people looking to you for guidance. You may have a chance to provide an example, a listening ear, and a discerning counselor to co-workers at work. Parents shepherd their children into the way of the Lord, bringing his instruction into each aspect of our daily home life. Not only does God say to place his words “on your heart” (Deut. 6:6), but “you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise” (Deut. 6:7). Older women can give younger women perspective, training, and encouragement (Titus 2:3-5). And the counsel of older men can offer invaluable insight to young men (1 Kings 12:6-19).

Invest in other Christians, seeking to influence one another and grow together. “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow” (Eccl. 4:9-10). God wants us to support and strengthen one another, investing both our love and our wisdom. Two people of character can improve each other like “iron sharpens iron” (Prov. 27:17). God has made his people “full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another” (Rom. 15:14). The truth is, we all can benefit from “an abundance of counselors” (Prov. 11:14), and a wise person seeks out and “listens to advice” (Prov. 12:15). What a gift to find yourself surrounded by friends who can help make you better!

Through the Week

• Read — John 10:1-18; Ps. 23:1-6; 1 Peter 5:1-14; Ezek. 34:1-10; 1 Sam. 17:32-37
• Reflect — Ask yourself, “Does ‘shepherding’ describe my leadership style?”
• Request — Pray, “Holy Father, teach me to care for others the way you care for me” (cf. Ps. 23).
• Respond — Touch base with someone who looks up to you, offering them encouragement.
• Reach Out — Ask someone “What moments have shown you how difficult and worthwhile shepherding can be?”