“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” — Acts 20:28
As Paul was giving his farewell speech to the elders before leaving for Jerusalem, he pleads with them to “take heed.” This is a phrase he tells to Timothy as well (1 Timothy 4:16), and this is a phrase God has for you and me as well. Paul specifically says to take heed in two specific areas, and we would be wise to consider his warning:
- Take Heed to Yourself
Sometimes we concern ourselves with and judge everyone else, when we should be more concerned with and working in our own lives. A good rule of thumb is to be lenient towards others and more strict and judgmental towards yourself.
God reminds us to “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). Don’t allow pride from thinking you’re above yielding to temptation, making unwise decisions, or drifting from God. In Hebrews 3:12, we’re told to “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.”
“Take heed” was a phrase used by Moses the month before Joshua was to lead Israel over the Red Sea and into the Promised Land. Moses reminded them that they were blessed with God’s goodness more than any other people (Deuteronomy 4:7-8), and as a result, he said, “Take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget” (Deuteronomy 4:9).
It is easy to see the issues of others, but be honest and examine your own life with some hard questions: Do you have victory over areas of weakness in your own life? How is your love for God and love for others? How is your private walk and dedication with the Lord? How is your attitude towards people, ministry, and life? Are you the same person at home that you are in public? Each one of us would be wise to take heed and work in our own lives. To best minister to others, we must constantly improve in our own lives.
- Take Heed to the Flock God Has Given You
Paul was quick to mention that the ministry and people are God’s people, ones He “purchased with his own blood.” The ministry and people are not yours, God can give it/them to another steward if you are not faithful. The people in your ministry, and the ministry in general, belong to the Lord, and we should never forget that.
Paul says, “over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers.” The responsibility you have was given to you by God. Never forget that! Because what you have is from God, don’t abuse your position and privilege. Don’t try to lord over God’s heritage but be an example (1 Peter 5:3).
A big part of serving God is serving others. Examine how your dedication, love, and attitude is towards the flock God has give you. First, don’t forget it is from God, and second, don’t forget that it belongs to God.
Take heed to feed the flock. If you’re not in the Word, you cannot provide for them. If you’re not filled with the Spirit, you will not be the example or serve them well. The flock is your responsibility from God. Paul reminded the church in Colosseum to “Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it” (Colossians 4:17) What is the flock God has given you? Is it your children, family, those you teach, preach to, or those in your city? Clarify what flock and ministry God has given you, and then take heed to feed them. And remember that you cannot help or serve those you are over if you are first not taking heed to yourself. Those you serve over need you to be walking with God, filled with His Spirit, and willing to lovingly serve them.