READ: Matthew 7:15-20
“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.“ – Matthew 7:20
Every shepherd must desire to become a good shepherd. “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).
You are a good shepherd when your shepherding style is like that of Christ.
You are a good shepherd when your pastoring style is like Christ’s and your fruits are the same as His.
Every shepherd must desire to become a great shepherd. “…that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant” (Hebrews 13:20).
You are a great shepherd when you have gained much knowledge and skill as a shepherd.
You are a great shepherd when you have large numbers of sheep under your care.
You are a great shepherd when you have pastored successfully for many years. Every shepherd must desire to become a chief shepherd. “And when the chief shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away” (1 Peter 5:4).
You become a chief shepherd when you have other undershepherds under you. Being a chief shepherd is the same as being an overseer of other pastors