1 Peter 5:2-4 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.

We are to clothe ourselves with the righteousness of Christ and treat our fellow believers with the love of Jesus along with honor, dignity, and respect. There should be no hypocrisy found among us. A godly shepherdess will love and embrace the body of Christ. She will not mistreat nor demean God’s people by behaving in ways that are contrary to God’s character. She will not live by double standards nor will she abuse her ministry calling for selfish gain. A godly shepherdess will hold herself to a higher standard as she relentlessly pursues her Savior, surrenders herself to His will, reflects His heart in her words and actions, and faithfully seeks to be His hands and feet while serving God and His people.

A godly shepherdess will periodically give herself spiritual check-ups and ask herself questions such as:

• Am I advancing God’s kingdom or promoting my own agenda?
• Does my presence create a thirst for God in others or does my attitude drive people away from the cross?
• Am I salt and light or cold and distasteful?
• Do my words and actions reflect the heart of Jesus or do they display signs of ungodliness and/or compromised morals?
• Does my attitude exhibit the fragrance of Christ or does it bear the stench of this world?

Ladies, God has called each one of us to a higher standard and He wants us to take our ministry callings seriously. He has called us to advance His kingdom, be godly examples, and encourage those in our sphere of influence. Whatever ministry we are in, God wants you and I to serve Him and those He has entrusted to us well. Do not neglect or abuse your calling! Do not show favoritism; instead, be gracious, kind, loving, humble, compassionate, gentle, understanding and merciful. A godly shepherdess will love and care for the women in God’s flock while reflecting the heart of Jesus and displaying the fruit of His Spirit. Allow the Lord to transform and mold you into the godly shepherdess He desires you to be.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Matthew 20:28 “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Philippians 2:3-4 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

John 21:17b And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.”