Not Because You Must!

Written by: Suzanne Benner

“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:2, 3)

There are lots of things that I have to do because of my roles and jobs.. Many of those things I have chosen for myself – to be a wife, a mother, a writer, a small group leader. Even so, maybe you’ve noticed an unfortunate change in attitude when one’s thinking goes from “I want to do this” to “I have to do this”.

Often we start out doing things with the right mindset – it’s a way to serve God, honor my parents, encourage my friends – but somewhere along the way something happens. Maybe it’s more work than we first expected, or nobody is noticing our effort and thanking us, or other people aren’t joining in they way we think they should.

The joy that motivated us in the beginning is drained away. Resentment starts to take root. When that occurs we need something to transform our thinking. Recently I decided to do something that would be a lot of work. Right at the beginning, I knew there was potential for resentment and didn’t want to fall into that old pattern.

While reading 1st Peter, a phrase from the verses above leaped out at me, “not because you must, but because you are willing”. It became my motto for the project. Every time I worked on it, I repeated that phrase. Not only did it keep me from getting resentful, it increased my joy. The job was a privilege. It was an honor to be allowed to bless the recipients.

Holy God let this be my attitude in everything I do, “not because I must, but because I am willing”. Change my heart to be like Yours. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Questions: How can you apply this phrase to something you are doing right now? Why does a willing heart make a difference?

WB Journal