What is a Good Shepherd

Elders Quorum was discussing the qualities of a good shepherd.  He loves the sheep, he knows the sheep, he cares about the sheep, he cares for the sheep, etc

I thought that while these were about the shepherd’s relationship with the sheep, there were other qualities also needed.  The shepherd needed to be strong and enduring.  He needed to be able to fight off wolves.  In addition to love, he needed capacity.

This is the righteous dominion thing all over again.  Too many of us more or less assume that the way to not be a predator to the sheep is to divest yourself of your predatory characteristics.  But it is your predator eyes that detect the wolves sneaking up.  It is your predator arm that drives them off.

So what is the capacity needed to be a good shepherd?

Well, here is where the gospel gets so glorious.  The only capacity needed, at least at first, is desire.