Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion, but voluntarily, not for dishonest gain, but willingly;
not by constraint but willingly: The desire for the good work (Titus 3:1) is a cardinal qualification which must ever be held in view, especially in times of trials and danger. No pastor should serve "under force" or "unwillingly" tend the flock. Everyone, including elders, is to function in harmony with the will of God.