All who regard as an unwelcome task the care and burdens that fall to the lot of the faithful shepherd, are reproved by the apostle: "Not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind." 1 Peter 5:2. All such unfaithful servants the Chief Shepherd would willingly release. The church of Christ has been purchased with His blood, and every shepherd should realize that the sheep under his care cost an infinite sacrifice. He should regard them each as of priceless worth, and should be unwearied in his efforts to keep them in a healthy, flourishing condition. The shepherd who is imbued with the spirit of Christ will imitate His self-denying example, constantly laboring for the welfare of his charge; and the flock will prosper under his care.

Apostlen Peter formaner underhyrderne: "Vær hyrder for Guds hjord hos jer, ikke af tvang, men af fri vilje, efter Guds sind, ikke for skammelig vindings skyld, men med villigt hjerte; heller ikke som strenge herrer over menighederne, men som forbilleder for hjorden." 1. Pet. 5, 2-3. Paulus siger: "Så giv da agt på jer selv og på den hele hjord, i hvilken Helligånden satte jer som tilsynsmænd, for at I skal vogte Guds kirke, som han købte sig med sit eget blod. Jeg ved, at efter min bortgang skal der iblandt jer komme glubske ulve, som ikke vil spare hjorden." ApG. 20, 28-29.