Taking care of God’s flock with honesty and humility is one of the most precious duties in the pastoral journey. The temptation to start a new ministry by taking over another man’s sheep can be driven by ambition, jealousy, or greed, but it contradicts God’s principles. True ministry is about obedience to God’s calling, divine positioning, and serving with love and integrity. God’s Word warns us against exploiting His sheep or unlawfully taking what is not ours.
God’s Sheep Belongs to Him, Not to Any Man:
Ezekiel 34:11-12 (KJV):
“For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will search for my sheep, and seek them out. As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.”
God is the Shepherd of His people. Ministers are called to care for His sheep, not to claim them for personal gain or to steal them from another shepherd. The sheep belong to God, and He will hold accountable anyone who attempts to steal or manipulate His flock.
Starting a Ministry by Taking Another Man’s Sheep Is Unlawful and Unbiblical:
John 10:12-13 (KJV):
“But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.”
A true minister is not a hireling but a shepherd who cares for God’s sheep. Taking over another man’s sheep without divine calling and permission is akin to being a hireling, one who cares only for personal gain rather than the sheep’s spiritual well-being.
God’s Call Is Personal and Divinely Ordained
Jeremiah 1:5 (KJV):
“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee, and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.”
Ministry is a divine appointment. You cannot start your own ministry simply by taking over others, but must seek God’s specific calling and confirmation. God’s plan is personal; He appoints leaders and shepherds according to His purpose, not human ambition.
The Danger of Stealing Sheep: God’s Judgment
Ezekiel 34:2-3 (KJV):
“Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flock?”
God condemns those who seek to feed themselves at the expense of His sheep. Stealing sheep to start your own ministry is greed and selfishness that will attract divine judgment.
The Spirit of Competition and Jealousy Is Not of God
James 3:14-16 (KJV):
“But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.”
Starting a ministry by taking others’ sheep often stems from envy and strife, which are not from God. Instead, we are called to pursue humility, love, and unity.
Respect for Authority and Divine Order:
Romans 13:1 (KJV):
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”
God has established spiritual authorities. Attempting to take over another man’s sheep without God’s approval is rebellion against divine order. Respect for authority is crucial in maintaining integrity.
The Consequences of Selfish Ambition:
1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (KJV):
“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.”
Ministry growth is ultimately from God. Selfish ambition to start a new ministry by poaching others’ sheep undermines divine sovereignty and leads to division.
God’s Spirit Leads in Righteousness and Faithfulness:
Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV):
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
God’s Spirit fosters love and faithfulness. A true ministry is built on these virtues, not on manipulation or stealing sheep.
The Right Way to Grow Your Ministry:
Seek God’s direction: Pray and wait for divine confirmation.
Build on integrity: Establish your ministry with honesty and transparency.
Serve sincerely: Care for the flock with humility and love.
Honor others: Respect the work God is doing through others.
Starting a ministry by taking another man’s sheep is contrary to God’s Word and His divine principles. True leaders are called to serve, not manipulate or steal. Remember, the sheep belong to Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, and He will hold accountable anyone who seeks to usurp His authority or mislead His flock.
God, in His infinite wisdom, has established spiritual authorities and divine order within His church. Hebrews 13:17 (KJV) reminds us, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account.” These authorities are appointed by God to oversee, guide, and nurture His flock with integrity and righteousness.
Attempting to take over another man’s sheep without God’s explicit direction is not only an act of rebellion but a direct challenge to divine order. It undermines God’s sovereignty and disrespects the spiritual structure He has put in place. Such actions stem from selfish ambition, envy, or pride, and they threaten the unity and health of the body of Christ.
Proverbs 24:21 (KJV) warns, “My son, fear thou the Lord and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change.” Respect for authority is crucial in maintaining integrity, peace, and divine blessing. When we honor God’s ordained leaders, we align ourselves with His divine purpose.
Romans 13:1 (KJV) declares, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” Any attempt to usurp or bypass God’s ordained authority is an act of rebellion and can lead to spiritual chaos.
In ministry, humility and respect for divine authority are essential. We must seek God’s approval before stepping into leadership or attempting to take over another’s sheep. True authority is established by God, and only He can give permission to move or expand His work.
Respect for divine authority preserves integrity, promotes unity, and honors God’s sovereignty. Let us walk humbly before Him, trusting His perfect order and timing.
Yours In His Service
C. C. RAYMOND
