1. "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want."
Explanation: A good shepherd knows his sheep by name and they know him. Have
you taken steps to be genuinely involved in your people's lives? Would they say, "He is
my pastor!" or would they have to look back in the past for someone who demonstrates
real care for them? What have you done to aggressively seek to become a shepherd to
those under your care?
2. "He leadeth me beside still waters."
Explanation: Sheep will not drink from moving water. A good shepherd finds still
waters, or dams a stream to create such tranquility. Do you work aggressively to help
your people overcome fear? Do you "meet them where they are" in their attitudes with a
loving desire to help lead them to where they should be? In decision making, do you run
over your people or lead them with gentleness?
3. "He makes me to lie down in green pastures."
Explanation: A good shepherd makes sure there is plenty of food for his sheep. He
does whatever is necessary to feed them. Do you feed your people? Are you taking the
necessary time to study and hear from God so that what you give to them is fresh and life-
giving/ Do you love them enough to prepare God-initiated messages that will renew their
minds and change their lives?
4. "He restores my soul."
Explanation: A good shepherd speaks to his sheep daily, calling them by name. Do
you encourage your people? Are you long on reproof, but short on encouragement? Are
you using the Word of God to restore the mind, emotions, and will of your people?
5. "He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name sake."
Explanation: a good shepherd does not drive the sheep, he goes before them and leads
them. And he leads them into the right, the good, the best paths. Do you love your people
so much that you are walking in the paths of righteousness so others will follow? Do you
see the vital connection between your walk and theirs? Are you willingly paying the price
of holy living so that you can lead others there also?
6. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for
Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me."
Explanation: are you with your people in moments of crisis? are you quick to respond
when there is a difficulty? Do they know you will be there if possible? Have you
equipped yourself with God's Word to know how to minister to them at such times? Do
you go after them when they fall, or let them stray away without lifting a hand?
7. "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies."
Explanation: A hireling runs when the enemy approaches; a shepherd stays. Not only
does he protect the sheep, but he continues to provide for the sheep in the enemies'
presence. How do you respond when conflict surfaces in the church? Do you protect
your sheep from the influences of the world, flesh, and devil that would seek to destroy
them? Do you provide the kind of spiritual food that will strengthen them to stand against
these enemies? are you preparing them to face the world?
8. 'Thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over."
Explanation: A good shepherd takes healing oil and anoints the cuts and bruises of his
sheep. He often takes his own cup and gives the sheep a drink. Are you working to bring
healing to the hearts, lives, and relationships of your people? Are you anointing them with
the healing balm of Christ that will soothe their hurts? Are you quenching their thirst with
the living waters of Christ flowing out of your innermost being?
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