Negligence

The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the injured you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them. So, they were scattered, because there was no shepherd, and they became food for all the wild beasts (Ezekiel 34:31).

Ezekiel prophesies against the shepherds of Israel who ignore their flock to satisfy themselves. They have allowed their sinful nature to consume them and guide their decisions. These shepherds have neglected to nurture their sheep, leading to weakness, injury, and sickness within the flocks. The sheep have strayed and some have been lost. Ultimately, the sheep have become prey.

Negligence. When we shrug our responsibilities of growing our faith in Christ, we become careless with His calling on our lives. Just as the shepherds in Ezekiel prioritized their own pleasure above their obligations to their sheep, we too can fall into the trap of idolizing self to the detriment of those who rely on us.

Our commitment to Christ should be renewed daily, and in doing so, it will overflow onto those we encounter. We seek Jesus, the Good Shepherd, because He is the epitome of how to care well for people. Setting aside our own desires, we tend to the needs of others, being examples of Christ in a fallen world. We provide food and drink, both in the physical and spiritual. Through the Holy Spirit, we abound in love and faithfulness, protecting the flock that God has placed in our care. In the sharing of our faith and obedience to God, the weak are strengthened; the sick are nursed; the injured are treated; the strays are sought; the lost are found. We envelop others in kindness and mercy, compassion and grace.

Neglect of one’s faith in Christ can hinder the lives of others. Spend time with the Good Shepherd in Word and prayer. Through His guidance, He will show us how to care well for His people. Let's do it together!

Prayer:  Lord, You are the Good Shepherd. You set the example for us to follow in caring well for others. Protect us from idolizing ourselves and neglecting the people you place in our lives. Help us to be mindful of who we are in You as we reflect your love and care to those around us. May we shepherd well as we are faced with challenges today. Stir the Holy Spirit within us, and may we step boldly in what You call us to do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.