I have a to-do list that is a mile long.

I am a busy lady.  And I am constantly feeling pulled in ten different directions.  I am responsible for many things and I desire to do them all well.

But what is most important?

Is it having the laundry completely done at all times?

Is it volunteering for every church need or school function?

Is it being successful at my place of work?

What is most important?

Know well the condition of your flock, and pay attention to your herds… – Proverbs 27:23 HCSB

I love that the word condition here is the Hebrew word for face.  A shepherd can look at a field full of sheep and know which one belongs to his flock.  He has to know well the face of his flock and he needs to pay attention to them.  A shepherd is diligent in his care of the animals entrusted to him.

We are called to know well the condition of our flock.  We can not be too busy for our families.  We need to spend so much time with our children that we can tell by their face that something is not right.

It is not the church’s job to make sure our children know God and His Word.  It is our job.  We need to know well the condition of their spiritual lives.

We need to give attention to our spouses.  Passing in the hallway once in a while is not enough.  We must be intentional in maintaining that relationship.

A successful career, a tidy house and volunteering at church are all fine things.  But, they’re not the most important things.  We need to be diligently tending the flock entrusted to us.  We need to know well the condition of our herd.