We all know it when we see it: we know when someone views their position as just the hired help as opposed to the owner. Truthfully, how one views their work drastically impacts one’s behavior. If you are just punching the clock you are likely to put forth minimal effort and often claim things you don’t want to do fall outside your job description. However if you “own” it or feel responsible for it or believe in the mission, you will do almost anything to “make it happen”. You will sacrifice a great deal for that which you believe in. Jesus understood this distinction and he speaks to it in the text, John 10:11-18 . In using an example from his day, Jesus refers to the difference between a hired hand and a good shepherd. He even self-identifies as The Good Shepherd. As wonderful as it is to claim Jesus as our Good Shepherd that is not the end of the story. In his post resurrection appearances he calls us and empowers us to pick up the Shepherd’s crook, to be faithful shepherds, and to do for the world as he has done for us. So who are you? Who are we as the church? Do we understand ourselves to be More that Just the Hired Help? Will we embrace our calling to be shepherds sent forth to care for the flock…for all of God’s children?
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