Verse 2 says “discern what is the will of God”. What does it mean to discern? How does discernment play a role in shepherding?
A quick google search for the word discernment returns a simple definition in a very general context;
“The ability to judge well.”
In a biblical context, and certainly in Romans 12:7, discernment typically refers to the ability to discern or judge God’s will.
In my experience, this involves a good amount of prayer and meditation and listening for the Holy Spirit’s promptings. Often it also involves consulting others and allowing God to use them to speak truth into your life. One method of discernment that I remember talking about in flight training, particularly when dealing with difficult questions and decisions, involved getting a group of Christians together to pray together and ask God to reveal His will.
Discernment plays a role in shepherding in that any shepherding effort, apart from God’s will, is futile. It’s very easy to head into any shepherding situation with our own ideas about what is best. It’s easy to tell ourselves that ‘This person just needs to hear the gospel, and that will fix their situation.’ But no one knows better about what a person needs in any given situation than the Holy Spirit. Sometimes it is the gospel, but sometimes the best thing we can do as shepherds is simply to be present and listen. Discernment helps a shepherd know when to speak and when to listen, when to act and when to be still, when to praise and when to rebuke.
Verse 6 says “Having gifts that differ”. What spiritual gifts have you been given? How do your gifts play a role in your shepherding?
Service and mercy have always topped my list of spiritual gifts. However, just a couple of weeks ago, I had the uncomfortable pleasure of sitting in LifeGroup while the whole group listed off the gifts that they see in me. Among this list were things like writing, discernment, discipleship, and wisdom. I have to admit that many of the gifts listed had never even occurred to me. As uncomfortable as those kinds of situations make me, it was nice to hear some outside perspective and certainly gave me some things to think about in terms of how I can use these gifts in shepherding others.
As I look at this list, I am somewhat convicted. I have to admit that I probably haven’t done a very good job lately of exercising some of these gifts. However, writing and discipleship do jump out at me. Writing in the work I’ve done and am continuing to do in preparing LifeGroup content and on my webpage. And discipleship in the weekly men’s breakfast I started over a year ago and the monthly game night that my wife and I have just begun. These events are, of course, meant for fellowship as well, and the conversations are not always gospel-centered, but I try my best to discern and grasp the shepherding opportunities when they arise.
Verse 11 says “Do not be slothful in zeal”. What does this mean?
I think this is one verse where it is helpful to look at some other translations.
ESV
Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
NIV
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
NLT
Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.
NASB
not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
CEV
Never give up. Eagerly follow the Holy Spirit and serve the Lord.
I’ve never heard of the Berean Study Bible, and I don’t know anything about it, but I think I like its translation the best; “Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”
The MacArthur Bible Commentary also provides some good insight into this verse. “Whatever is worth doing in the Christian life is valuable enough to be done with enthusiasm and care. Sloth and indifference not only prevent good, but allow evil to prosper”
I am reminded of the fire of the Holy Spirit that burns in all of us. When I was a brand new baby Christian, this fire was burning white-hot. Sadly though, I must admit that this fire has certain ebbs and flows. Sometimes it’s a roaring bonfire, and sometimes it’s a smoldering campfire. But to be honest, these ebbs and flows are usually a direct result of my own actions or lack thereof. My obedience feeds the bonfire, and my laziness smothers the campfire. Paul is telling us to keep the fire stoked!!!