Lesson 5 Reflection Activities

In John 10, Jesus identifies two root causes of conflict: the absence of a shepherd, and the presence of a wolf. The presence of a bully is often due to the absence of a shepherd. 

The difference between a hired hand and a shepherd is that in the midst of conflict, the hired hand will look to their own interests and leave. The shepherd, even at personal cost, will remain in the midst of the difficulty to courageously protect the sheep. 

1. As leaders, sometimes we hide behind wanting more information when what we really need is more boldness. What are some insecurities you have that keep you from courageously protecting your people? List some fears that you have that hinder you from facing difficult scenarios, conversations, or people. What can you do to face those fears? 

2. Are there any issues, conflicts, conversations, or people that you are delaying dealing with? List them. Then, pray through that list. Pray for a spirit of boldness within yourself and then set up a plan to deal with those items. Finally, write down the date beside each item on your list when you have addressed it.

3. How much are you willing to lay down in order to benefit your people? Sometimes resolving conflict is not about how much you will fight for that resolution. Sometimes, it is about how much you are willing to lose for that resolution. Write down two lists: First, what things are you willing to lay down for your people? Second, what things are you not willing to lay down for your people? Pray through these lists. Are there some things that need to be on a different list than they are on? 

4. Identify who or what are you trying to protect with the lists from question 3). Are these lists going to be effective in protecting those people? Why or why not?

5. Add your submission below.