Shepherds With Dull Hearts

 "For the shepherds have become dull-hearted, and have not sought the Lord; therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered" (Jer. 10:21).

The young man I was listening to was very bitter as he fired off attacks against Christians and especially against the church.  He had a story that made him an expert on the hypocrisy of all Christians and every church.  You may have heard similar stories yourself. He went to church every Sunday, went on the youth retreats, was in a Christian school k-12 and after graduation he turned bitter toward everything Jesus, and walked away.

 
I have heard too many stories from prodigals and though it is not the same in the case of every prodigal, I have found a common thread in many stories.  Mom and dad got them to church every Sunday sent them to Christian school, but were never really consistent in their own Christian walks.  The shepherds at home were dull-hearted and were not seeking the Lord.  I have heard too often of two sets of parents, one set of church parents and another different set of parents at home.  Even youngsters can easily discern the duplicity.  

As a pastor I must take Jeremiah 10:21 very seriously, if ever I become dull-hearted it affects not only me but the flock of God. If I am one man in the pulpit and another man outside the pulpit I can easily become part of a prodigals testimony.  I would covet your prayers that I might have a continual fresh walk with Jesus and a fresh anointing of His Spirit.  It is also very important for you parents, the shepherds at home, to heed the words of the prophet that your children will see in you what it is to be Christian men and women.  I'm convinced that the best way to cut back on the prodigal population is for we the shepherds to be living consistently and whole heartedly for Jesus in word and deed.