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(Proverbs 27:23 KJV)  Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.

This is a principle of stewardship.  Most of us will need to accept the pastoral setting as figurative.  The principle is that we are to mind our own business not the business of everyone else.  Picture being invited to someone’s house for dinner.  You surprise them by showing up a bit early and explain that you just wanted to make sure that their furniture was arranged properly.  Then imagine that you start moving lamps and couches to the places they should be.  Then imagine being uninvited for dinner.

It may sound silly but it would be even sillier if your house was a total mess.  One of the questions I have for people giving advice on how to raise children is, “How many children do you have?”  Another one I would ask if I had the courage is, “And how have they turned out?”  I think of pastors who have children who are a total mess.  I think of one who was very “successful” and none of his children are serving the Lord. 

So?  Focus on getting your own house in order.  I hesitate to say that since I am not sure mine is ready for showing.