Jesus calls himself the Good Shepherd, not the Chief Cowboy. He likens us to sheep, not cows. This came to mind when I asked God to help me become aware of my temptations.
Turns out, one is the temptation to use people. Ouch.
I’d be onto it if the devil whispered in my ear, Hey, go steal that woman’s purse, or Go get rip-roaring drunk. Not the kind of bait I would take. But, using others? Hmm.
It can happen subtly. I may have a legitimate need – let’s say, I don’t have the energy to mow the lawn, but I want it mowed – so I start campaigning to the male members of my household about getting that chore done, and on my schedule.
I emotionally take someone hostage to do what I need done.
This gets especially tricky when it comes to ministry. I can justify arranging people around me to carry out my commands – er, requests — because I have this important spiritual task I am trying to accomplish. Right?
Not so much. Many of us have been on the other end of this, getting sucked into serving another’s vision. Even while we get affirmed as “faithful servants,” we can feel driven, branded and corralled like so many cattle.
As a representative of Jesus, I need to remember I have no right to take others hostage for the sake of my needs or goals, however legitimate or spiritual those may appear. I must have the best interests of others in mind, rather than ensuring my own success.
The Great Shepherd of the sheep takes no hostages.