"The Good Shepherd gave His life for the sheep - for you and me - for us all," said President Ezra Taft Benson to regional representatives in a seminar April 3, 1987.
President Benson based a portion of his message on the scripture of John 10:17-18."The symbolism of the Good Shepherd is not without parallel in the Church today. The sheep need to be led by watchful shepherds. Too many are wandering. Some are being enticed away by momentary distractions. Others have become completely lost. We realize, as in times past, that some of the sheep will rebel and are `as a wild flock which fleeth from the shepherd.' (Mosiah 8:21.) But most of our problems stem from lack of loving and attentive shepherding, and more shepherds must be developed.
"With a shepherd's care, our new members, those newly born into the gospel, must be nurtured by attentive fellowshipping as they increase in gospel knowledge and begin living new standards. Such attention will help to ensure that they will not return to old habits. With a shepherd's loving care, our young people, our young lambs, will not be as inclined to wander. And if they do, the crook of the shepherd's staff, a loving arm and an understanding heart, will help to retrieve them. With a shepherd's care, many of those who are now independent of the flock can still be reclaimed. Many who have married outside the Church and have assumed the lifestyles of the world may respond to an invitation to return to the fold.
"There are no new solutions to this old problem. The charge Jesus gave to Peter, which He emphasized by repeating it three times, is the proven solution: Feed my lambs. Feed my sheep. Feed my sheep.' As in the glorious admonition of the Book of Mormon, those baptized into the Church of Christ must be constantlyremembered and nourished by the good word of God.' (Moroni 6:4.) The answer, then, is found in prayerfully shepherding and feeding the flock - in other words, priesthood watch-care. There must be real, heartfelt concern by a true and loving shepherd, not just the shallow concern that a hireling might show.
"As we talk about the concept of a true shepherd, we recognize that the Lord has given this responsibility to priesthood holders. But sisters also have callings of `shepherding' in the charitable and loving service they render to one another, to youth, and to children."
President Benson said local leaders must become true shepherds. "They must manifest the same love that the Good Shepherd has for all of us. Each soul is precious to Him. His invitation beckons every member - every son and daughter of God. `Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you. Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the tree of life; Yea, come unto me and bring forth works of righteousness.' " (Alma 5:33-35.)
President Benson said no one is denied the Savior's invitation. "All are welcome who will receive His gracious invitation to partake of His gospel. The sheep - some distracted, some indifferent, some preoccupied - must be found and loved back into activity. Every priesthood and auxiliary resource must be used to assist in this effort. This challenge will never be met until each stake, ward, and quorum leader exercises the will and the faith to bring the less-active back into full activity in the Church." (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p. 231.)
