Issue 049
Do you ever find it hard to know what is the right thing
to do at work? Sometimes it’s clear, obvious, regulated
or proscribed. In these cases, it merely involves
following an agreed explicit protocol, rule or
procedure. At other times there are choices to be
made, with consequences to follow. These choices may
not always be between right and wrong; for a person
with a conscience that should be a simple choice. It is
when the choice is between possibly right and maybe
right, or possibly wrong and maybe wrong that it all gets
a bit messy. Some situations are such that there is no
apparent ideal solution; whichever decision you make
someone may get hurt; because of the complexity and
variety, no guidebook or set of guidelines will do. What
we need is a living guide.
David knew that for his sheep to survive he would have
to guide them in the right paths: paths that lead to food,
water and shelter; paths that minimise the risk of attack
or injury. David therefore knew that for his own life he
needed a guide: someone who knows the area,
understands the dangers and can find ways through.
Any shepherd worth his salt would use his knowledge
of the area to keep his flock intact, safe and secure.
After all, he had a vested interest in looking after the
sheep. Flock losses would be bad for his reputation
apart from anything else.
So the image opens up….. The Divine Shepherd is your
guide in decision-making. He knows the area and can
find ways through. The ‘paths of righteousness’
combines the concepts of doing well and
moral correctness. It is no easy thing for a sheep to be
guided by a shepherd; there are many other voices and
countless distractions; there are inner weaknesses and
stupidities which muddle the brain. One thing however
should be a source of encouragement to us: the Divine
Shepherd has a vested interest in guiding us along the
right paths. His reputation is damaged when we are
damaged. He guides for his Name’s sake as well as our
well being. Both sheep and shepherd in partnership to
do the right thing for the best outcomes makes good
business sense, whatever your business. If you only have
time for a short prayer today, “please guide me” will not
go unheard.
Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
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Work well
Geoff Shattock
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