Being the Good Shepherd

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd will lay down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, not being the shepherd and not owning the sheep abandons the sheep and runs away when he sees the wolf coming; so the wolf attacks, scatters and kills the sheep. This man runs away because he is merely a hired hand who cares nothing for the sheep; he has no investment in the sheep, personal or otherwise --and he could care less.

When we choose to become a part of this profession - police, soldier, executive protector, judge, mayor, representative, legislator - we swear and take the oath, to become a shepherd, not merely a hired hand.

We will shepherd and protect those that we serve - our flocks - because they are ours to serve and protect.

As shepherds we will suffer and toil so that they do not have to, so that they do not fear being attacked, scattered or ravaged by the wolf.

Live this life accordingly because yes, this is your duty.

This, is the calling.

~~Lawrence Lujan paraphrase and thoughts on John 10:11-13

About the author: Lawrence Lujan is an active field lieutenant with 31-years of service and a graduate of the FBI NA-274. A long-time member of special teams(SWAT, Mountain Rescue, Gang and Burglary), he brings a unique set of skills to the law enforcement arena. He has a wide and varied background in leadership, firearms, operational tactics and international training. He is also the editor-in-chief for Tactical Solutions Magazine (Journal of the International Tactical Training Association).