LOVING SHEPHERD OR HIRED HAND

John 9:1-34

The reaction of the Pharisees to Jesus healing the blind man in this story has always baffled me.  They are so stuck in their heads about the rules and regulations of things that their hearts remain untouched by the fact that this man, who was born blind, can now see.  It all seems very cold to me.

The scriptures that follow that healing miracle talk about the difference between the true shepherd and the hired hand. For me it added some understanding to their reaction.  It reveals how important motivation and investment are in the things that we do, especially in areas of ministry.  People work towards achieving places of power and prestige for many reasons; some because they simply want the position, the attention, and the glory that goes with it; some because they believe that they can do more good for others by being in that position.  It comes down to serving self or being a servant to others.

I have seen the fruit of ministers operating out of both motivations.  The ones who are there to serve and be a shepherd to people are very different from those who see it as a job and enjoy the privileges while caring less about the people they are serving.  Jesus spent a lot of time teaching his disciples to be the first option and warned them of the dangers of being the second.

In our time spirituality has become a commodity to be bought and sold and controlled by those who become trained as experts, similar to any other business.  What used to be volunteer ministries are now paid positions, requiring expensive training and certification programs.  While there are very sincere people involved in this endeavor, I still have some hesitation about the process, mostly because of the money involved, both in the training and in the resulting ministry.  I am haunted by the scripture that says, “You have received without paying; give without pay” (Matthew 10:8).

There is the danger of a “hired hand attitude” that can easily slip into any place where money is exchanged. 

The priests of old were provided for by the community, not paid for services.  The disciples on their mission trips were provided for by the people who offered hospitality, not paid for service.  Jesus told us to lay up treasures in heaven because that is where our hearts are, rather than gather treasures here on earth.  He also said ‘do not make my Father’s house a house of trade” (John 2:16).

A workman is worth his wages.  Being provided for as a way to recompense one for time and energy is a fair deal; making a profit and accepting position and prestige is a slippery slope.  When spirituality becomes a commodity to be bought and sold it is serving money.  “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.  You cannot serve God and money” (Matthew 6:24).  Entering into these ministries of spiritual matters one must always be aware of one’s motivation and not become a hired hand.