"Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory" (1 Peter 5:2-4).

Bridesmaids Put Brides First

I did a wedding recently in pouring rain where I was moved to see the gang of bridesmaids get muddy and wet in order to keep the umbrella properly covering the bride, to keep her dress out of the mud, determined to present her to her husband looking great, smelling great, and feeling great. But occasionally I take a wedding where one of the bridesmaids has clearly missed the plot—she is more caught up with herself than with the bride. She walks down the aisle ahead of the bride and struts her stuff, with her chest out and bum swaying, checking left and right to confirm all eyes are on her.

Who Do You Resemble?

As a church leader, which of these two types of bridesmaids do you resemble? Is it more about you than the Bride, or, God forbid, more about you than the Bridegroom? Attention all church leaders: gentlemen, we have the privilege of looking after another man's wife. Take hits for her. Get bespattered for her. Get rained-on for her. Take bullets for her.